Waking Up a Turd

Wow. AJ. Thanks for braking that down.
I always knew the cam was mismatched, putting in the RPM at shift points sure adds another perspective.
Oh i do have 1 5/8 headers and dual 2 1/2" exhaust. It should be able to exhale OK.
I want to source an OD transmission, before i change gears. I want to be able to maintain some highway manners. Probably 3.73 or 3.91. I have to figure that all out yet. I have always leaned towards the 727, or the A518/ 46rh for the beef, But the A500 / 42RH seem to have the more desirable gear ratios. I will look into them more.

You have talked me into a different camshaft. I like the idea of a HYD roller cam, Mostly because of the engine oils available these days. I m just not sure if a retrofit would be worth the hassle.

Now about the heads..... The write ups i have seen suggest the J heads should have about a 70-72 CC chamber. How much effect on cranking pressure would be expected, if i chose a set of 65 cc heads?