Well, just as soon as the snow quits flying, and I want to leave the Challenger outside, I am going to pull the engine, set it on a stand, and do just that. I really enjoy doing it, so it will not be a problem.
In the meantime, tomorrow I am running that 360 to my machine shop and am going to go ahead and build it as a stock "pooch motor." I will throw it in the Barracuda to enjoy, until I get this stroker motor resolved. This thread has been awesome with suggestions and information, but the problem is still a mystery. It may be all very obvious once I yank the heads hopefully.