My reason for wanting to stay below .500 lift was so I would be safe with flattop pistons. I have 2 sets of TRW forged flattop pistons and didn't want to spend $600+ to get some with valve reliefs.
The porting that had been done was to gasket match the intake and exhaust.
I get it. But the duration is much more important to watch than lift. It's not the how much that gets you in trouble, it's the when the valve opens and how long it stays open. It's a big block. It's gonna make power either way.