Should i even bother with with getting a higher compression ratio?
The stock Magnum ratio of 9:0-1 is a very good ratio for a street driver. Adding a cam of a reasonable street performer size will still allow the use of 87 octane really easy.
I have found my 2000 - 5.9 runs best of 89 or 93 with an aggressive distributor timing and a bunch of initial @ 20*’s. At this point, it doesn’t like the 87 octane. But runs fantastic with the aggressive timing on at least 89 octane.
The 5.9 has a 750 carb on top of a Edelbrock RPM and Super Comp 1-3/4 headers, it’s in a ‘79 Magnum with a 2500 stall and 3.55’s on 245/60/15’s. The car has been lightened up a bit and weighs in around 3200lbs.
These engines as described above just need a camshaft and valve springs to be an enjoyable hot rod. A better cylinder head is a great addition.