4.30's! "Don't Fear The Gear!" You can handle more gear than you think you can, trust me. I'm actually yanking my 4.30's and going with 4.56's DRIVING to the track!
If you have a handbox, you can easily handle 4.30's IMHO
What kinda RPM were you at? Them stroker motors like getting STROKED! Hell, I leave at 6K and shift at 7,500 with my 347. Good valve springs? Good valve train? If so, WIND HER UP! She'll like it!!!!!