Welcome Bapa! Nice to have you aboard.

Your setup is what many here have including me except for the 3:55 rear. I mention that because you'll get lots of opinions, some good and some just opinions without any basis but you can sort them out. Mine is somewhere in there for you to decide.

IMO, you can get the rest of what your engine has by doing some needed head work. That is where the power is hiding. You can also raise the compression but it won't give as much power as the head is holding back. As you are already running an effective 2:48 gear maybe the original 4:10 rear gearing would let the engine run a smidgon better with an effective 2:87 but not much of an improvement is it? So as others have said, go to a 12 port or do some work on the stock head.

I get to Hastings 2-3 times a year. Next time I'm over I'd like to see your truck if it's OK.

And again, Welcome Bapa.

1953 Chevy 5-window 3100
In the Stovebolt Gallery
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Dave
Engine & Driveline Moderator

If you can't make seventy by an easy road, don't go. ~~ Mark Twain