Hello, I'm considering stroking a 454 to a 496. Looking for what is considered to be a good cast number, anybody know what to look for and what to stay away from? I had a little bad luck with the small block in my 69. Has anyone ever had the retaining pin come out on a 1.6 GM roller rocker, if so how do you keep this from happening again. (Has happened to 3 different rockers) Thanks in advance.

Yes, I do!! Use the old-fashioned stock type bent metal ones AND that can't happen..

As for your first question, I think about all regular, 2-bolt main, 454 blocks are pretty much alike so hunt one up that came out of a mid '70's to '80's P/U, "Burb", Van and even a standard deck height Schoolbus motor..

pdq67