JK3078 - Production tall deck blocks are fine to use but might cause some minor problems if you are not informed when making part selections.
Tall deck blocks are 10.2" at the deck ( measurement from crank center line to the deck of the block ) and regular blocks are 9.8" tall. The "V" only gets wider as the deck increases so that is the reason for the different intake on a T/D block. The aftermarket can offer intakes that will allow you to use a standard height dist. and you should not have much problems with exhaust manifolds and frame rail clearances or headers if chosen.
If you are not going to increase the rod length, and use a 3.76" stroke, you will need to use a four ring piston or get a set of custom height pistons made. GM made the T/D block to have room for the extra piston ring in H.D. applications and the race world uses the taller deck block to allow room for longer rods - longer strokes and such.
The cylinder heads will bolt up but be VERY careful in your choice of which head to use. There are several varients of the "oval port" head and not all are created equal. Most heads used on T/D motors were designed to have a power curve similar to a diesel engine - meaning that they pull like nobody's business at idle all the way to 3,800 RPM and than flatten out big time. The ports are made for velocity at the bery bottom end of the scale where a work truck engine spends all of it time.
Try and stick with heads similar to the 781's / 049's - they make fantastic power all across the power band and are easy to find.
I hope this helps shed a little light on you motor question . Good Luck ! Tom
