Here is a link that BigLimit sent me regarding tricking out Curados. He had a Cardiff 300 tweaked like this and he says it will cast as well as the Calcutta 300 TE. A good way to make an economic reel a little more dynamic. I don't have any experience with the Okuma reels but would trust what Rob, Lake or Mark say without any reservation.
Disclaimer- I fish Shimano exclusively, but get good deals to be able to do so.