Compression: if I need more- what is everyone using to make this determination?
Experience in blueprinting B wedge blocks, experience with factory open chamber head measured chamber volumes, and the "9:1" reference.
Will using the pistons it has, (from what I am told '9:1'), and the 915 heads, (not using the 452s), solve this issue?
No. Even by buying on-the-shelf pistons you have to have the block decked significantly to get the installed height where the piston companies say it needs to be (the blueprint height). The best you can get is about 10: using a domed KB hyper and closed chamber heads with thin gaskets. IMO, you should have at least 10.5:1.
If not, how can I raise it?
If I was building a 383 for you we would be getting that domed piston, using the 915s and milling them to 80ccs, setting the quench at .030, and the static somewhere around 10.75:1. This all takes extra machining and costs more, BTW.
Cam: if I raise the compression, should I get a cam with a larger duration number? You should get a cam that does what you want. Assuming the same 10.8:1 static ratio, I'd look at a solid flat tappet around 240° @ .050 which will allow pump 89 fuel and pull as high as you feel comfortable shifting at.
The carbs were cheap, so if they are too much it won't be the end of the world to swap them out for smaller ones. They would work witht he above combo, but like DJV and 340, need to be synch'ed and tuned.
I could just put together what I have and see what happens. Might want to, just for kicks. If you like it, that's all that matters.
As long as I can drive this thing and run pump gas, I can make adjustments like others have when attempting this ridiculousness, lol!
The experiment continues...
