Head selection help
 

Ok guys and gals, I've had lots of time to think since I've been working 60 to 80 hours a week. I am thinking about my 454 and I was going to just tear it down and rebuild it but the motor is not hurt and I am not looking to get super high numbers out of it. All I want is close to 400 hp and 400tq. So I figured with the dome pistons I have plus open camber heads my compression is going to be very low. Like 7.75-8:1. So I need a little help picking some heads. I figure the smaller the combustion chamber the better because it will bump my compression up some. Am I right about that? My cam specs is
Cam Style Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range 1,700-5,200
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift 218
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift 228
Duration at 050 inch Lift 218 int./228 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration 276
Advertised Exhaust Duration 286
Advertised Duration 276 int./286 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.500 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.500 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.500 int./0.500 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees) 114

with 1.7 rockers with these pistons that are currently in the block
So what do you think?

I have a set of 98cc 66' oval port heads if you are interested. Those with a set of .020" thick head gaskets will bump your compression quite a bit. Your cam is VERY conservative for a 454. I also have a NIB 228/238 @ .050" Hyd cam. 114 LSA, .540" lift. Had planned to use those parts on my father's car, but he changed his mind and is having me put it back to stock.

That is a pretty mild cam, you're going to have a hard time getting much out of that engine with it. Do you what heads you have now, casting #?

781 heads open chamber heads

Those are good open chamber heads, I know that doesn't help with your low compression problem. Any of the closed chamber heads from that era would help unless you're looking for new heads.

not really looking for new heads i am just not sure what to do. I looked at the price of new heads and let me tell you WOW its almost more then half of a new motor! almost makes me thing about getting a small block instead..lol

what is the casting numbers on those heads