340 engine repair/build questions

Agreed. I'm finishing up a Silv-O-Lite equipped 340 today; and with .03 off the heads, .005 above deck and thin head gaskets its working out to be 9.8:1. The last time I built a 340 was 30 years ago and the sealed power forged were available.

The other issue with the Silv-O-Lite pistons is the radial valve clearance of the intake valve relief. It has been cast for 1:88 intake valve relief. I mocked up the engine with a set of EQ 318B heads, 1.92 intake valve and it made contact with the radius of the valve relief...
I used the Silvolites in my 1971 340 build. They ended up being .017 out of the hole so I used .050 (approx) head gaskets to keep it below 10:1. IIRC my combustion chambers were around 70cc and I had no contact issues.....Engine runs great.