Gentlemen;
If your 'shaving off' the top of the block to get more compression, that's not the way to go.
It works sure, but It's far better to have the pistons made the way you want as Larry & Hank point out. The piston (MFG) can/will adjust the wrist pin location to get you the compression you desire.
This is a big problem with the early engines which need that space in there to allow for things "streaching" at higher RPM.
The 63 + engines are different somewhat in that things don't "stretch" as much & can create more power than the 'early' ones when modified etc.
Remember; When these measurements are made the block/components are cold & this all changes when hot, running 6,000 RPM or more.
What's a point or two in compression compaired to blowing your engine??
Find the "happy medimum" somehow is my thinking here. There's fewer each day of these blocks, for us to play with.
Happy Trails.
