[Jack21]

Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one. This is my $.89 worth, based on 40 years of doing this. If you need a bottom end girdle because of the way you use the engine, e.g. weekend warrior, than you need an SVO or Dart 4 bolt block. The girdle is a band-aid. On the street,it is overkill. ARP studs on the bottom end, in fact ARP fastners on all critical components (mains, rods, heads, rocker studs & nuts).

My ideal build is based on my intended use of the motor. If your intended use differs, then your ideal build will be different.

Please do, however, take advantage of Desktop Dyno 2000 as design tool for building your ideal motor, regardless of size. Although the 351W I built for my Cobra appears to be a straightforward warm street motor (which it is), I looked at everything from mild to wild for a good year before buying any parts for it.