First off, not building a hot rod. Stock cam, stock heads.

Flat top (not dished) pistons.
1973 block
1986 heads

Got my short block together tonight, just for sh___ and giggles I thought I would check the compression ratio. Came up with 8.6/1

If I "zero" deck the block (.040") I would have 9.1/1

Is it worth the expense? I use this truck to pull my 8000# trailer up and down the road and want something that will PULL and not lose speed pulling hills.

My current motor has dished pistons and 1973 car heads so the compression would probably be a little less than 8.0/1. Weak motor.