'73 SD restoration

[RichSchmidt]

I would change the pistons,do a mild cut(.030&quot AND go to a shim gasket if the deck clearance if .020" or more. I have heard that the SD cam is stout and runs strong if you retard it 4-6 degrees. A 3 angle valve job,back cut the valves,and you should have a stout piece. If you are buying good pistons with small rings,then spend the extra bucks for a gapless set,and have the block plate honed. I don't know what valves the SD comes with,but if the faces are recessed,you can go with nail head valves to bring up the compression.