Got it! And I'd agree with you. If you want to do it, sooner than later will be better. Spark retard will be a key to add some flexibility and also consider Aluminum Heads, they can usually tolerate more compression with out pre-ignition or knocking due to lower quality fuel availability. And an EFI "carb" with ignition and trans control could put you in the sweet spot. Added costs but adds to the enjoyment of driving it and not tuning it on the side of the road. imho.