Strong Bottom End

450hp will run forever with stock caps. 500+ will not IMO). Small block caps don't usually walk much, but they do deflect as power goes up and i have seen broken caps from repeated flexing. Bigger main clearances help when the cap deflects and the edges pull in. That's where the extra space is for. Detonation and high rpm with poor balancing will break them over time. I do not believe in girdles simply because for me the return on investment tips when you add in the the cost and setup in addition to the caps, studs, and align bore/hone. If you need a girdle - you need a better block.