Thanks to all for your replies and info!! I'm old, but never too old to learn something new from others!
I'll have to check out the Speed Pro pistons quality. I can also get an opinion and input from the machine shop I use, he builds a lot of engines too. He even does some engine work for the Oklahoma 405 Street Outlaws, or whatever that show is called.
I need to check out the Le Mans rods, see if they look old or have been reconditioned, etc. If I change rods to a stock 390 rod, they'll need to be checked out and resized, and new bolts, or just buy new rods. I read a lot of stuff on other forums about the dowels on the Le Mans rods getting loose, not so much the cap screws.
If I deck this block, or determine that has already been decked, I'll be happy if the new pistons are .010", .013", or .017" below deck at TDC. I can always make more compression with Cometic gaskets &/or mill the heads a little. If I have the heads milled, I'll take them down to whatever level we can get away with without having to mill the intake bottom & sides. If they wind up 73cc or 71cc, etc, that's what it'll be, the rest will be with Cometic gaskets.
frnkeore, yes, I knew the torque on the heads was 110 & 100, thank you!
Rory, I agree with you about the single 4 bbl performance and mileage. I have a couple of other FE's, and a SBC project, I just like multiple carbs. I have a 428 that's .030"+ and stroked to 462 cu in., running four 48 IDA Weber's. This 63 1/2 Gal project, I drove it for a while with the 3x2 setup (before blow by and low oil psig made me park it). With the carbs and linkage set up correctly, it did pretty good on mileage and performance, considering what it is. None of my project cars (4) are every day drivers, just local cruise-ins and short trips to other towns for the same.
Thanks again for everyone's comments, keep 'em coming! I'm leaving Okla later this afternoon, we'll be in CO for spring break & skiing, but I'll try to keep up with y'all on my phone.
As far as the PRW parts, y'all have already convinced me to not use them, I'll use the 406 adjustable rocker arms.
My Galaxie 500 XL was a 390 Z code from the factory. When I bought it partially done, it was badged as a 406, and I was told it was a 406, even tho' I knew the VIN was a Z. After driving it a while, then pulling the "406", I discovered it's a standard b&s 390 short block, with all the 406 stuff added to it; badges (fenders & valve cover decals), 3x2 intake/carbs, dual point dizzy, 406 heads, cam/lifters/adj rockers, cast iron shorty headers, etc.
Y'all take care!