360 with the 509 cam

Indeed, you don't have the compression to run it, but if it's what you have NOW and will get you goin with sumffin, run it. Lots of people pull their hair out trying to decide on this and that. Just do it.You'll have a sense of accomplishment at least....also if you run a loose converter and some gear and a good ign curve, it'll probably run pretty good. Like daredevil said, it will haul the mail upstairs. No doubt about it. Slap it together. It'll be fun. Tons of engines were built like that through the 60s and 70s and tons of people had fun with um. It won't be optimum, but it will be FUN.