IF the block is good (looks to be, so far), plan is to balance the crank and stud the motor. Crank mics at 2.399" on the rods, so plan is to polish only. Promaxx heads (at least port matched and tidied up). If block cleans up ok, std. pistons and heads will head to Chris to drop compression and ceramic coat.
I could run my truck flat out in 2nd gear towing 15k up a mountain and not go past 1100-1150egt and 190 water temp- with the water/meth on (14gph nozzle with pressure significantly up over stock setting, 15% methanol.
My guess is that I just pushed the stock envelope too far, too often. Also thinking that the modified 14cm hx35 was too tight for sustained 3000rpm pulls