agreed. i'm think about keep it right around 10:1 or maybe a bit more. but not over 10.5:1. I read some big block build in some old magazines i have tonight and a similar combo made around 530 ft.lbs. and 460 hp. and that was at around 8.7 or 9 to one compression. didn;t say anything about the quench or details like that but I assuming with low compression that probably didnt zero deck the block and all that good stuff. Some I'm confident that I will be happy with my combo. My question is whether or not my 10 bolt will hold up to it? Is there anything i can do to beef it up to handle that power, or should i start thinking about a 12 bolt? not planning on running sticky tires until i can get a better rear end, but have you seen it done? Thanks for all your info man!!