8k rpm ...

180,000 psi rod bolts (ARP, Pioneer, Milodon) and a cam and intake that will support that. Stock rods are pretty good. I like the Holley Strip Dominator intake. You build for 8k and your gonna be stuck in the mud at low RPM's unless you got a 4.3+ rear gear. Put an RV cam in it and youll run out of steam at 5000. Your power band can only be so wide. Build it high or build it low. Solid cam will extend the power band a little. My friend drove his mom's 4cyl baby Blazer around in high school and that had a very torquey motor, would hole shot all the V8's but would get passed right after the other crosswalk, after it hit 50, it hit a wall motor wise.