10.2 : 1 compression 360 at sea level. Options?

SBM4theW!n said
I do have an O2 sensor and gauge, and a high flow water pump. Will look into a new fan and shrowd and possibly a 6 pack hood scoop to get cooler air intake.

So you guys think I'll be safe running 93 octane gas with 10.2:1 compression and iron heads, with 280 duration cam assuming I can keep it cool?

I've got pretty loud exhaust. Is it possible to not hear the pinging? Is there a good way too test?

Yes, it can be to loud to hear the ping. IMO, you'll be OK on 93.

SBM4theW!n said
Did it run cool?
Looks like the MP280 cam has slightly more duration at .050 lift 238 vs 230. Not sure if that makes a big difference.
Maybe I'm more concerned than I need to be. I had always heard 10:1 or higher was dangerous with open chamber iron heads.

The larger cam bleeds off some compression making it easier on octane requirements and pinging issues. But not by much between the two cams.

SBM4theW!n said
From what I read 9.5 was the limit for open chambered iron heads and medium cam. I'll give it a shot as is with a better radiator fan and hopefully a closed air system hood scoop with race gas/ premium gas mix and just keep lowering the octane until it becomes an issue...

Often that is what you will read and I say it a lot as well mostly because there is a bit of truth to it but, BUT, it is combination dependent. I say it because it is a dead safe area to do much with.

SBM4theW!n said
I'm running an Edelbrock 650 which might be a bit small, but my Holley 750 vac secondary has a flat spot at part throttle (lean per O2 sensor) and I don't want to risk it with the high compression.

Tuning a carbs mid rpm lean spot can be a huge pain. The smaller carb is only giving up 10hp or so. It's not a huge thing.