i got the 1/2" aluminum to build the flanges. got the rough shapes cut out then evened them out on the belt sander.
I cut the end off of an old stock end casting to get my holes in the correct place.
next i drilled a a majority of the port holes with a 7/8" drill bit, i gave it some extra so it can be port matched to the head.
so instead of buying pistons I decided I would buy all the sale items instead while they are still cheap. bought a set of cro-mo h-beam rods sway away race axles and a heavy duty trans side cover. so hopefully I will be able to leave the line at 5 or 6 k without any problems!