als499...I hear getting Stage V to make a set of those conversion heads is a challenge. You're right though, about the shortblock at least. You can find old school std. bore hemi pistons cheap.

Scatpack...they do point up and slightly in like a small block. These heads are different than normal BB heads w/ the extra extended water jackets around the exhaust ports...hence the manifolds bolting on differently. The intake bolts on the same and will work on standard heads so I'm told. They have sodium filled valves. The head is taller which means longer pushrods. The rockers look the same, but supposed to be different somehow.
I have not pulled a head off yet, but will post some pics when I do if you'd like.

Transman...got it UP to 5.5 mpg??? Wow, lol.