I've had also great results with a cast scat crank and I beam rods that are lighter and you're not supposed to have to Notch the bottom of the block for them to clear. Even though my block is notched. I think you'd have to race professionally to really need forged parts. I did use forged pistons though. I still use stock heads and still have plenty of time and areas to add more power up top without having to remove the engine again.
you can take the stock 360 and put some Edelbrock heads and a big Cam and get close to what a stroker does. but you would have to wind it up to make that power when you're on the street having the stroker is just instant low end tire burning right from the get-go.
