i totally agree, don't need all that to make 500. I'm just going by the fact he wants to build it once. a lot easier to spend money on a stout engine now and maybe skimp out on some expensive external parts that can be bolted on later then go jeez i sure would like a cam or a adjustable pump gear etc when its really easy to do when the engines apart but not so easy when its in the truck. basically is all I'm getting at. needed parts. exactly what your 97 has, plus a 3-5 ask which i assume you have. easy 500 hp. I'm just thinking long run because he's doing the motor. might as well put the parts you want now if a budget allows of course

I see your point and agree it is best to do an much internal now as possible, but to the extent that it is relevant to the overall goal. I doubt this truck will need more than 800hp ever so I doubt the girdle and some of the internal mods will be needed. Thank you for the post, not trying to gang up on you :-)

So what internal mods are relevant to this situation? Please note brand preference.

I do want to still have good fuel economy so I want to build the power through efficiency not just burning more fuel.

I'm not sure what you ment by a 3-5 ask?

For internal mods in my opinion all you will need is balanced and polished factory crank, line hone the mains, balanced rods with good rod bolts, Mahle pistons the 1 gen style gets my vote, 12mm main studs would be nice, and check your bores if it needs bored bore it if not just a good hone.

i ment a 3-5000rpm gouverner spring. depending what you want. auto correct got me there. the mhale power pack pistons are nice, and a decent price i thought. they have the 1stgen/marine bowl in them. i noticed a pretty noticeable weight diff just handling them. much lighter than stock. i got cpp hardened/polished and balanced stock rods which may or may not be something your interested in. they come with arp bolts. they don't break the bank compared to billet ones.

I have 5ks in my current pump