Erik you are much more experienced at this than I, but my 502 crate motor with 110 cc heads has flat top pistons at 9.6:1. So this motor must have dome pistons?

That motor should make 500+ ft-lb from 2500 tp 6000 rpm easy. That car is not too heavy especially for a 496, especially for the gears. 750 carb may be a tad light?

Stupid question. Is the carb linkage letting her open all the way up!?

Regards, Kitz