10:1 cr would be great. I plan to run 91, though it's CA, so I know our 91 is not the greatest. 9.5:1 will suffice if it's better to leave well enough alone. I plan on buying my heads brand new. The Patriot 185s are looking really nice, having read this article Eight Budget Small Block Chevy Heads Tested - Car Craft Magazine All Pages

but I will pony up for the AFRs if they're a much better option. Is 450 at the crank a lofty goal? At the end of the day I'm more concerned with having a nice powerband than big numbers up top, but I'm thinking the cam should take care of that. I'm looking at a comp cams 12-211-2 but am open to suggestion.