Since Greg asked about heads, What about option #4: refresh only (rings and bearings); and spend my money on heads instead. Would a good set of Indy SR’s or something similar on a flat-top 451 get me to my goal for a lot less $$? It also would allow me to utiluze my current gearing with less piston speed (??). Just thinking out loud here, I guess.
How much would you have to mill the heads to be able to bump the compression up some?
Maybe try and borrow a dominator carb along with the intake swap might show some results you are wanting.
Good luck on whatever you decide your combo has always been impressive to me
