360 engine build opinions - first engine build

rumblefish360 said
The idea is to smooth out any ruff edges or sharp edges to prevent hot spots that my casue pre-ignition.

You'll also might want to look into thermo coatings on the piston tops (Crown) and cylinder head chamber.

P.S. I'd go for the bigger cam myself and use a slightly thicker gasket. Just don't loose the quench effect. It is important in this type of set up.
If, IMO, you use the thermo coatings on the piston and cyl. head chamber, you might, MIGHT very well get away with 87. Otherwise, you'll need 89. And have the timing set to where you want it.

Do not retard timing to suite octane goals. This is a big power robber!!!!

The point of edge-radiusing is not only to just smooth sharp edges, but to make a noticeable "radius" that helps pull the flame front into the quench area, making better use of the entire bore. Also, I'm not talking about retarding timing to quell detonation; I mean I won't need as much overall timing advance to make max power because combustion will be quicker and more complete, adding even more detonation resistance because there will be less time for "bad" things to happen in the combustion chamber.