Ported 452 or Edelbrock RPM

Well, it's a good thing You're running 98+ octane, 'cause .074" isn't a desirable distance to have in the quench/squish zone.
I would double/triple check that distance for sure.

Well I don't really see reaching 0.045" with current engine configuration. With thin head gasket I think reaching 0.055" can be a challenge. Also at 0.045" I am looking at 11.5:1 compression. I will measure it all but still it seems out of reach. Where I live the only options from pump are 95, 98 and 100 octane so this is not really a problem for me.
What is the thinnest head gasket I can get? 0.025"?
Can I use steel head gasket with aluminum heads? Like Mr Gasket 1135G?