john, thanks for the input. Im glad to hear that you run about the same combination and like it. I have hooker comp headers 2" primary with a 3 1/2 collector out a 3" exhaust. I hope that I dont have too many probs bolting them up. The guy selling the motor says that this is what he was running and had no probs. I am going to leave them in the engine compartment and strap them to frame while I drop in the motor.

As for car use I will be driving it from time to time on the street. I was told I will need 101 octaine. I will follow your advise and not mess with the combo right now and run the 840 heads.

The block is a tall deck though. I was not thrilled at first but now think about a future rebiuld to a 540 cid. should be able to reach 700 hp on pump gas with those cubes.

im glad i found this forum. it looks like there is a lot of knowledge here.
Thanks,
Steve.