Race gas vs pump gas on lower compression street/strip motor

The 11.4-1 was a 340 with a hydraulic flat tappet, 237/242 @ .050" with .584/.592" lift. The 10.8-1 was a 408 with a flat solid, 260/264 @ .050" with .638/.642" lift, or really close on the lift. The current motor is a11.2-1 434 with a solid roller, 263/271 @ .050" with .711/.719" at the retainer.
Iron or aluminum head?