Yes i understand, i come from a LA background and was about to put a 418 cube combo together but after wanting a more powerful combo (over 600hp) it became aparent the G3 is a better option.
Example best 340 head flows 200cfm
Well ported W2s 320fm
Indy heads 340cfm
Std G3 6.4 heads 340 cfm and...
A std 340 with cam, intake and headers aint ever gonna see 425 hp without thorogh rebuild and quality components.
Apply the same theory to the G3
A std 6.1 with cam and headers will make 450hp and a 6.4 over 500hp.
The.engines are different era's and the quality factory machining and casting...
340 is good for boat anchor as they make 120hp less than a 6.1 as they left the factory.
How many passes would a stock 340 have lasted at 425hp?
Its 2017 now not 1973
Anyway valvetrain is fine to 7500rpm if looking at the dragpak cars is anything to go by.....8000rpm onstock rockers
Yep those 6.1 pistons tend to fail when they meet some detonation
Here is some manley rods
Manley Hemi 6.240" 6.1L Stock Length w/ 25mm pin Connecting Rods ARP 2000 | eBay
The real weak points are the cast pistons, powdered rods and the oil system.
Aftermarket pistons and rods are readily available and make sure u have a healthy oil pump, a large enough sump and use the correct weight oil for your specific oil clearances