I'm ready to start assembly of a 1976 360 block for my 71 Demon. Got it punched 30 over and bought stock dished pistons which are only rated at 8 to 1 compression. I wonder if I made a mistake there, since I bought a summit racing cam with 284 advertised duration (228 @ .050).

This engine will be pretty much stock except for the cam, double roller timing chain, and hi volume oil pump, so I'm worried about the lumpy cam I bought. I read that I should be going with 9 to 1 compression with this cam. Am I going to bend my valves or pushrods?
Should I exchange these pistons before its too late?

I'm building this engine for street use. Of course I want good power but it doesn't need to be super fast. A 14 second qurter would be nice. I've got an aluminum intake and 4 bbl Holley for the top.

Any suggestions are appreciated! This is the first v8 I've built myself.

Also - I'm getting the heads redone: Is it worth the extra money to get the intake valves widened to 2.02? They are stock 1.88 right now.