I'm running a cast crank, my machinist says no problem, its a nice piece. I bought Scat H beams for 380 delivered. They were on the money, needing no further machine work, like Eagles usually do. I think they are the same rod (H beam), but the Scats are finished in the US. I am buying a solid roller set up (cam lifters, springs, pushrods) from Bullet Racing Cams, 800 for all, a very good price IMO. if you want to make big power, i feel a single plane is necesary, this isn't a 340 anymore, I am using a Strip Dom, the only single plane with the mounts for a/c. p/b, and plenty extra places for fittings. I'd go with a Demon carb or something like it, the driveablility is much better than stock Holleys. Other than that, go with the best parts you can afford, to avoid doing it again.