4.375 is probably about the biggest arm youd wann put in a short deck.thats why the next size larger(4.5 inch stroke)is used in tall decks.ive heard that 4.5"oil pan fitments in stock bodied cars can be a pain.friend has 66 chevelle and he said his 572 tall deck was a beiotch to install with oil pan to crossmember issues.thats all.i agree 540 is a good combo.
joe sherman put a pump gas 540 together and got 752 torque and 829 horsepower at 6500 rpms with the 315 cnc afr heads.