alum edelbrock heads

I would be thinking about some cam advance to help with the low CR for the 'interim' setup with the Edelbrock heads and the present pistons set up. Get a timing setup on this first go-round so you can set cam timing now and in the future revisions. IMO, don't mess with the carb you have at this point, to help low end response.

I assume by 'thumper' cam you mean one with a lopey idle....not a good idea with the low CR setup as it sounds like you are figuring out. Noise does not always equal speed or power. Personally, for the street, I'd look for LSA of 110 or even 112, and duration no more than 262 or 256 range. Lift .500 or less to keep it simple on the springs and valvetrain setup.

Do you have info on the springs and any rockers that are on these heads you are considering?

BTW, AJ and others, when you say lower DCR with AL heads, I presume you mean the AL heads have the effect on reducing detonation tendencies the same an iron head with lower DCR, is that right?