Yeah the stock block is quite the conversation piece. In the 90's I built a 340 with W2s and twin turbo. We put it in my buddies car and it ran mid 8's at 13 psi. It also made 900hp at the wheels and it went 150 passes with zero breakage. You are very right an aftermarket block is in my near future and if I could go back I would've bought one, that is if I could've gotten one, but I know what the stock block can take and I am going to be nice to this one but it has been tasked with successfully making 4 digit power.