[jonnyk]

With the new kits, even the 5.4 rod 347's shouldn't have any issues with oil control assuming everything is properly machined and assembled. If you want to be safer rather than sorry, go with the 5.315" rod and a piston with the pin below the oil controls, and the engine will last a very long time with no oil issues.

I've seen poorly assembled 306's smoke and professionally assembled 347's last like a stocker. You won't have problems because of the parts themselves...

The Coast High assemblies are awesome on a budget...you won't be disappointed.

My SFI balancer cost around $275 if I remember correctly, and 347's with the short height pistons will definitely be a lot closer to 28 oz imbalance than 50 oz. Balancing costs on my 331 was no different than a 306 would have been. There is nothing special about balancing a stroker if you guess the right imbalance weight.

Definitely go with a forged piston. 4032 is a better alloy for longetivity in an all motor application, 2618 for a forced induction or nitrous engine.

Most performance rings are file fit. The difference is in materials and radial tension. A plasma moly ring set will be the strongest. I wouldn't do low tension oil controls for a heavy street engine, although I do have them in mine with no problems.

A CNC rod would be more consistent, particularly in weight. It might save some balancing time in the end...

A lot of your decision will depend on your horsepower goals, power adder in the future, and usage of the engine itself. Talk it over with a pro before you buy.