Crate vs built or vice versa

[Billla]

Originally Posted by Bowtie67

Another option that wasnt described here was buying a shortblock

Agreed, but if you buy the base shortblock you still have the CR issue if you're looking for some level of performance. Yep, you can certainly get smaller chamber heads, etc. but it's pretty hard with that approach to take a 8.5 CR engine to 9.5 or above.

As for cast parts, I agree that cranks are fine but if you're going to put any significant beating on the engine I'm a big fan of the H.T. pistons. In this case, it's within my rule - < 1 HP/CID, cast, > 1 HP/CR, H.T., > 1.2 HP/CR, forged, baby - forged