273 build ?????

I've said this before, but be certain to cc the heads and calculate compression using the deck hight of the pistons.

My 65 273 had new .030 over flat tops in it when I got it. With the pistons down .045 and the head cc of 65 it calculated to 7.8 to 1. I had no money for new pistons so I milled the block .040 cut the heads .032 and used the .040 gasket I had. It now is at 8.9 to one. Ideally I would have gotten dome pistons, had good quench and just under 10 to 1.
Those little engines run on pump premium fine with that much compression.
I run 87 in mine with 35 degrees total timing and have never heard it ping.
I also have the comp 270s solid. With [email protected] and 468 lift before the .022 lash. Its a good cam, is ok until 3,000 rpm, then she wakes up.
Its a snappy engine and gets about 20 mpg on the freeway. It had highway gears, I just put in an 8 3/4 with 3.55's but have not driven it yet. Need to shorten the drive shaft. I know it will make a huge difference.

Heres the build if interested.

65 Barracuda
1965 273
8.9 to 1
Pocket ported closed chambered heads.
Stock valves
270 solid, 224 @ .050, 468 lift. Lash .022=446 lift
balanced
windage tray
65 273 single plane with 600 Carter carb.
Factory 273 exhaust manifolds
2.5 inch single exhaust with a chambered muffler
Automatic, and now 3.55's. I know the lower gears will make a substantial difference off the line.
It moves pretty good for a little engine. Once it hits about 3k she pulls good to 6k. But I still want more power. It was a budget build with parts I had. All I had to pay for was the crank grinding, balance, rings and bearings. All the other parts were collected over the last few years from random sources I found cheap with no particular plans for them. I worked at a shop and did the heads and block myself. Its fun, and runs great. But That 360 I have in the corner will eventually need a new home.