1971 318 build

Here's my opinion: based on everything I've read about the Edelbrock heads, I would have them worked and definitely have the valve job checked. Once you have the work completed on them, set your compression ratio (I would personally run as much compression safely as the fuel I wanted to use would allow) and determine a camshaft that suits the compression and the heads. I would also have the intake at least port matched to the heads, but that's your choice. If you're careful you can do that at home. But I say go for it. I love 318s, I have one that is a little over 11.25:1 compression. Build it and have fun with it.