Quote Originally Posted by barnone View Post
I'll be your first customer. I won't be in WNC where my DF is resting until early May.
What octane fuel is required for the increased compression ratio?
Just leave the valves in the head? Just need a new head gasket?
not sure I ever answered these questions.
with 10CR I still use 87 octane and don't see any sign of detonation problems... this leads to the conclusion the dynamic CR of this engine is way low.
and it will stay that way, forget about ever finding a more aggressive cam, let alone the work required to get at it.

no I need the valves out in order to mount the head in my jig.
having the valves out also allows the other head work mentioned.

Reuse the metal film gasket. use rtv silicone as assurance. if it leaks it's probably for some other reason.
or... as they say, if doing all this work why not start with a new gasket... depends on your philosophy and skill level...