You could use felpro 1094 steel shims. Thats what I did with my old Iron heads and my current AFR's for 6 years now.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Fel+Pro/375/1094/10002/-1

 

8:1 is perfect for cheapo or mid grade fuel. Have the heads planed and use a thin head gasket will get you a tad more. If it was me I wouldn't spend any more $ for a backup engine, as it would probably only be in the car for a few months anyway. You'd be surprised what a "cheapo" small block build can do behind that 4 speed and 3:42 posi, I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. And, 8:1 is perfect for a 6-71 blower........

 

While the 882's aren't the best head around, they can make decent power. I ran deep in the 12's with a set on a 383. Getting your compression up will be a challenge. Since you have most of the oarts and this build will be very cheap why not try to track down a decent set of used performance heads. Anything will beat what you have and I bet you can find some older World heads for cheap.

 

Bill, what would be cheaper...mill those 882's or get the new pistons? I'm thinking of milling the heads..

 

Aaron,

I will call the machine shop and find out.

Thanks

 

Headgaskets are cheaper. Or you could do both.

It will def help the quench.:thumbsup:

 

Milling the heads may not be a great idea, those castings are already thin and prone to cracking. It's worth a shot to see what the machine shop tells you. I wouldn't put much money into them. Heck if they are in decent shape sell them and make the switch to Vortecs to keep it cheap.