I'm still in the same boat, I'm re-sealing the engine in the coming month. I had a bent connecting rod, the bore measures stock 454. It's got the peanut port heads. Does have headers and the Accel mpfi intake. I bought 8 new Bosch EV 6 injectors, the closest to the original 36lb/hr ones that came with this top-end kit. The cam is basically an RV cam with increased lift but stock LSA. I'm still trying to work out how to re-use the original DFI system from Accel that's obsolete, apparently the distributor was set along with the installation of the unit and it was syncronized as such, as there is no cam/crank-position sensor. If I'm not mistaken there is no throttle position sensor either but since it's been so long since I took apart the throttle body I can't say for certain. If I can't fix it, I do still have a speeduino and could go wasted-spark/batch fire instead of having to swap to a newer ignition system and Megasquirt III.
I'm doing a complete frame-off, plan on using an engine hoist to take off the ext. cab, with the doors as well as interior fully stripped. I'm going to undercoat the frame with a 2 component epoxy used for boats after sandblasting. I've contemplated to do the seals on the transmission as it's always had a red droplet on the drain plug and this would be the perfect time. Does anyone on the forum have experience with either older ECUs pre-dating OBD standards? Or with 4L80es?
If anyone else would like to chime in as to what I could do with this 7.4L to make sure that it'll run right?
Once the con-rod has arrived and the weather is good enough to paint outdoors I'll be throwing it all back together as quick as possible, leaving me lots of time to ensure I've ordered all necessary parts and done the right prep-work. Maybe I'll paint the body if I can get access to a spray booth considering everything is coming apart but I'd rather concentrate my efforts on the mechanical aspects until it's passed technical inspection. I have yet to rewire the truck but I think this is best done towards the end when I can ensure that traces/cables are the right length, for now I'm hoarding GM-style terminals and connector.