[tirebird]

Yes, Charley, I do. I'm driving to L.A. next June for the POCI convention and I hit a lot of car shows in the Central Valley and Northern California, about 10-15k a year.

I agree, I would like to find some high quality stock flat top piston's for the 454 but there are not a lot of great choices compared to :30 over. After all, everyone who rebuilds their engine usually goes one size larger and the market reflects that.

I think you're comment about using a good set of gaskets has merit. But, good engine builders don't like to go halfway and would like the straightest surface possible to mate with the heads.

This car is a keeper and I don't plan on selling it. So, I'm not concerned about the value for the next owner. It's a driver that is a lot of fun.

However, you're absolutely correct that there has to be a way to deck the block while protecting the pad numbers and will do everything possible to reach that end.

John