Engine Build Ideas...PLEASE HELP.

No flaming and I certainly am no engine builder, but I did note one mistake in your post ... the '72 340 was a forged crank ... at least half to most of the way through the year. Did not read all the posts to see if the OP noted specifically he has a cast crank, but my '72 (engine replaced with a crate 360 since; 340 in garage) is forged.

~Bill