RustRat: Thank you! I hadn't considered the oil pump improvement, nor did I realize you could upgrade a stock one with billet gears... that might be a big cost savings.

278 Cams sound WAY aggressive. I know lots of success with 264's, but I really wonder how the idle will be with 278's!?

As far as intake manifold/TB goes: I may start with the stock units in place to get things running, just to take this in steps. That said, the only throttle body/manifold options I'd be springing money on would be a JDM Squaretop if I buy a 99-00 motor, which I would then sell to help fund ITB's. That is something I've considered, recouping money on a squaretop and cam from a BP5a motor.

I also wonder whether it's more cost effective to do the head shave VS. just buying higher compression pistons, and what dynamics change with each. Valve relief any different on the SuperTech's compared to OE, etc?

Thanks, -Matt