Compression Ratio
Has a lot to do with what the end use of the motor is. Not going to use as high of a comp ratio on a road race motor as you are on a drag race motor.
And with that, Dan you want a cruiser with a little zip. Your way over thinking this stuff. Use the KISS method. When you start with all this bench racing crap, its outside of your stated wants in an Abody.
The more performance you want the more money it’s going to cost and the more **** your break, the more it cost. You can do a simple home rebuild for less than 2grand or can spend 25 grand or more for a 600HP plus small block.