hookdup

Hi all,
heres the scenario,
putting together a motor for my partners Classic26 ' Martini / Corsa
he's had the boat for 27 years. He's old school, and wants to be able to run her in the 70's, no not the 1970's.
She has a new transom, as we pulled the TRS, put an entire new transon in her, cut it for a bravo, which we have.
The hull's original hook was taken out years ago, has K-planes, and cmi or stainless exhaust. just laid the block in to cut holes so we can finish the paint work.
Now the dilemma????
454 4 bolt, .060 L2399 pistons, bottom end all assembled.
Have 1 se tof 049 heads, 1 set of 781 w/ stock valves, and 1 set of 781 w/ 2.19's, they are at the machine shop getting cleaned and spec'd so if i pick a cam, i know where they will bind.
Need reco's as to if we should spring for Merlin ovals, what cam seems to work for everyone, as well as intake manifold.
Can post pics of progress if it helps.
Thanks in advance to all.
Capt. Rich / mailto:[email protected]
(yeah so I fish, now want to go fast too....)