What he did with his combo works. I would use his as a baseline or reference motor. That car seems to scream more than what you think it would by looking at the specs on paper and imagining how it might run.
Oh I've talked to him a bit and greatly appreciate his input, but since the engine is going in a bit heavier package I still like to solicit other opinions.
EDIT: younggun recommended I look for better pistons should I decide to go forged. He also strongly recommended to pay attention to all the details, like zero decking, matching the cam to your parts, etc.
The more I look into pieces and their capability, the more I want to run a solid cam, good forged pistons (since it'll be moving a heavier vehicle), 1 7/8" headers, probably a 750 vacuum secondary or AVS carb, RPM intake, and after much searching on here, probably a dynamic converter...stall of course is depending on the cam