I decided to spend the 30 bucks on David Vizard's book on porting before I got moving on the head work. I'm still tossing around different tooling options, but it sounds like most people spring for the long nose die grinder with a variable speed control over something like a Foredom set up. Hearing some first hand experience is welcomed.
Maybe I'm getting soft, but I really have taken a liking to the auto trans in the white truck. Bench seats are just that much nicer to have when you don't have shifters to work around and your seat position isn't as limited. Down another rabbit hole I go...
Holley sells auto controllers so gong electric is an option. It sounds like IF I do decide to go auto, the 4R70w is what I would go with. I am having a hard time finding what a stock 4R70w is capable of handling. I do know Monster sells them for $3,000 and will hold up to 560ft/lbs. The stall is a little high at 1,900 RPM though.
This has me thinking a little more about how I want this motor to perform. There is no sense in making huge torque if your drivetrain can't take it. Whether I go with the ZF s5470 or the 4R70w, I am going to shoot for the flattest and widest torque curve reasonably possible. The amount of torque made can easily be adjusted via boost pressure.