I agree with using a 400 block instead of 383. No reason to give up bore sizing and the packaging size is the same.

With my RB 505, I'm at 10.3:1 and can run the cheapest pump swill out there but typically run 91 No Ethanol.

Deep gearing and high stall aren't required when you have a stroker because of the massive torque at low rpm they produce (assuming cam choice is correct).

We run a (rated) 2800 stall 11" converter and 3.54 gears and the car still 60 ft.'s really hard!