[blykins]

You should always use a torque plate.

Head gasket is not needed. The idea here is to stress the block while boring/honing the way it would be when the heads were bolted to it.

Aftermarket rods are stronger than 40 year old rods. Especially with today's H-beam rods and ARP fasteners.

The block will not need to be align bored unless you've added/switched caps....but it may need to be checked and honed.

Diamond has a set of off the shelf .030" pistons for your application. They'll be around $550 plus rings.

BTW, .020" would be 4.150".

If you like how peppy the engine is now (quick, high revving), don't stroke it.