The notion that you “need” more compression with aluminum heads has been tested at least once with a SBC, where you can buy heads that are the same in iron or aluminum........ and the results are that the power was the same.
I don't know that anyone said aluminum heads " need " more compression.
They ARE more tolerant of higher compression , and less likely to experience detonation.
As far as over thinking , I guess most of my thoughts are in taking weight off the front of the car.
Better handling is one claim , though few of us drive where that difference is really appreciable.
But less weight is still less weight.
I don't know that they are ever a bad idea , but that being said , I am looking at a set of J heads on my current project.
There is a certain pleasure to underthinking.
