Thoughts on this combo

Yup. If you want 11s at 3800pounds, AND mild street manners, a stroker will get you there. Wear a brace.

It sure looks that way. I bet a 408 would work great with the wide ratio trans. Better piston choices to achieve the right DCR with a smaller cam too.

I'd go with a forged crank for piece of mind.

I have a brace for use with a helmet and a couple others that work good without a helmet already.