Buying Short Block

I am getting just 7.9:1 static CR with 71 cc heads and a thinner than average head gasket and pistons .08" down in the hole, which may be on the optimistic side. If it is truly a new, unused short block, and is cheap, then I would buy it but put in new pistons to bring the SCR up to in the low-mid 9 range.

Did you mean Edelbrock 2176 intake? The 1406 carb is a square bore and the 2176 manifold is a spreadbore. Otherwise, the parts seem to be a reasonable street setup. Can't find info on the valve springs to see if they are rated properly for that cam and to see if they clear the 273 rockers well.

Inspect the lifter bores for excess rust.