Hmmm....
Lotta variables here - almost not practical to try to answer all the questions without a bit more info, so here's my setup and a few recommendations and a question or three:
MY SETUP
Ford 521 crate motor with lotsa mods. It has its original 9:8 compression. Low (?) compression seems to suit this engine - it made 600hp before I changed it for street use! It has a 4.30" stroke crankshaft and a .030" overbore.
I got rid of the high rise Dominator flange intake and used an Edelbrock Performer dual plane. I wanted a Stealth intake but the hood scoop would have been sky high. I used a Demon 850 vacuum secondary - not recommended - use a Holley instead (voice of experience)! The whole thing is now in the process of being replaced with EFI based on the Holley MPFI kit and a Torker II manifold. If I'd known then - I'd at least have used a Torker II for the hood clearance; it's the lowest height available intake for the 460.
I used stock length Eagle rods (6.605" ?) with the Ford 460-sized 2.5" big end. You can also find rods to fit the big block Chev (2.2" big end???)
It now has a Crane hydraulic roller cam with the 1.73 ratio rockers.
It has a 2200 stall 12" Edge converter
click here and a C6 automatic with a 2.88 Powrlok Jag rear.
It is a nice street engine with a wonderful idle quality - noone ever mistakes it for anything else other than a really big block car
It will also spin the tires at 100mph (315-35/17 Michelin Pilots) if you whack the throttle.
ANSWERS (or at least, opinions)
Balance - talk to the source for your crank - they should tell you what you need. Don't guess!
Torque converter - I started with a TCI. Don't do it
It died and took the trans with it. I've got 4000+ miles on the Edge in the last three months including a 35 minute track session at 100-115 mph with no problems so far. Be sure the trans and converter stay cool. And change the
oil and filter pretty often.
As far as other recommendations, the primary question is "what is your intended usage for the car?". If it is more for racing you might want a different camshaft, converter and axle ratio. If it for street use, the above items work nicely. If you don't mind adjusting valves regularly (I DO mind
) you can go with solid lifters and get a bit more hp, or flat hydraulics and save some pounds ($ over here) either way. I did change the valve springs too since high lift capable springs may only last 3-5000 miles.
It is most important that you select the pieces that make sense to you - don't use someone else's choices unless you are convinced they will suit your idea of the right stuff for the car!
Have more fun,
Tom