Forged crank and forged pistons cost quite a bit more but are definitely a heavy duty upgrade. The only downfall to the forged pistons(other than cost) is the expansion is a little more so they can be a little noisier on startup when the temperature drops if you drive it in the winter, but it goes away when engine is warm. A hypereutectic cast piston is plenty strong for mild performance builds and is quieter. Either way can work great, but the cast is not as strong if you plan any boost or nitrous.
I can get you Edelbrock, Dart, Brodix, RHS, AFR heads, etc. I think you should stick with a Oval Port with a hydraulic roller for a mild performance build.
4.25" stroke crank
6.385" rod
forged piston w/small dome
mild hydraulic roller cam
good double roller chain
aluminum oval port heads
steel roller rocker arms for longevity
Edelbrock RPM air gap intake
whatever carb you prefer. I like Holley, some people prefer Edelbrock/carter style.
Also new oil pump, etc. If budget allows we can get you a new Moroso oil pan and pickup for a little more oil capacity and control.
We need to know what block you have and what bore it is now. The newer blocks have 1 piece rear mains that use a different crank, and the timing cover and oil pans are different. Also the lifters are cheaper for a factory roller block and you don't need a cam button either.
I can likely save you some money on parts. I will also punch everything into my app so we make sure your static and dynamic compression are good safe numbers.