What are you guys running for ring stacks in your custom pistons. In other engines,I have gone away from the old fat rings,and usually run an .043/.043/3mm stack. This also allows me to move the pin up without intersecting the oil ring. I usually run a piston with a 1.070"-1.090" pin height. Then I can put a longer rod in it. I don't see any reason why I can't do the same with a Buick. The pistons will be custom CP's with all the options,and the rods will be GRP with the pro material. The crank will probably be a Velasco billet with whatever stroke will fit. Street/strip application.
I thought about a girdled block,but will likely get a TA aluminum block. It will be a pump gas engine. 800HP shouldn't be too hard to do with what you Buick guys have available.
I made 772/710 with 93 octane with a 517" Olds,and you guys have a better selection of parts. Even the best Olds heads are not that great. I can do it.