rebuilding a 273 180 HP engine

Lets also include guys that a piston upgrade is going to cost him at least $600. Nothing wrong with what he has. The advertised CR was 8.8 to 1. That was with the steel shim gasket. Of course over the years heads are pulled and other gaskets are used. Overall it would not take much to bump a stock flat top motor over 9 to 1 which is more than adequate for a street motor.