I agree, buy a race block. I did my time with different caps, girdles etc. back when there were very few race block around. If I was going to run a girdle, I would use a steel cap. If I was going to run an aluminum cap, I would just run good studs. and fill the block. I had good results with both of those combinations. But after three seasons they did not blow up, but most of my blocks would not freshen due to cracks, or distortion of the cylinder walls. The race block is now 10 years old and no issues . 800 HP level