Quote: If by "block mod" you mean smoothing out the hard 90 degree turn the oil makes right after entering the block, I would say definitely do that. It is a 10 minute deal and costs nothing if you already have the tools.
I don't think increasing the oil pickup to 1/2 is necessary, but it does not do any harm unless the procedure is messed up. At that point it does a whole bunch of harm I would never do it to one that looked thin to begin with. So if there are any second thoughts, don't do it
Yes X2 with Rich...leave it at 3/8" NPT but, using the 1/2" pipe tube. And get in the block with a carbide and radius the intersecting passages. I'd also ream the oil passages to the mains...I think it's a 17/64"
I would never do it to one that looked thin to begin with. So if there are any second thoughts, don't do it 
