Good points - but I did my homework prior to the build and the pistons that BPE put together with the anything kit are cheaper then anything else compared to other manufacturers. The pistons even come with pins and rings!
I dont have to worry about piston to valve issues, valve angles and spacing since I went with his pistons either - they are a drop in piece so far and a timesaver instead of trying to get there by the cheapest way possible I am trying to do this once and do it right.
as far as the -1 heads - I'll never deny that they dont make power, I'm sure i'll be happy with the port work from RyanJ and the numbers that this thing will make. I have the bottom end done so I can upgrade to any head I want in the future since this thing will take whatever I throw at it!
Concerning me splitting the block - you know this is an X block right? There is more meat ( 30 more pounds heavier then a stock block ) in the oil pan rails and main webbing made specifically for adding 4 bolt mains. The stock block I would agree - but not a factory race block. The block has been around since the 70's and has been having 4 bolt mains added since then - girdles - not so much...
WHile I cant confirm or deny the help of the girdle - the 4 bolt main setup is a proven setup in my application and I will not chance a girdle ( has anyone actually proven they will help? MRL's setup that just came out is the only one that might do something but aside from that there is no data - just sales hype that i have seen.