Thought I had a good combo but now Im not sure!!

I thought so too but others told me that the static was too high for iron heads with no quench.

I don't know that's correct. Static CR does NOT play in to engine dynamics like the Dynamic CR does. DCR is way more important. Mine is 11:1 static, 8:1 dynamic and it will click off high 10's on 91 octane fuel. No pinging or detonation issues with this particular combo. Based on your CR numbers with either head gasket, you should be safe with 93 octane. Rule of thumb is 8.0:1 DCR with iron heads and 8.5:1 DCR with aluminum heads. Depending on the combo, that can vary. SOme can take higher DCR and some need lower DCR. But it's a general rule so take that FWIW.