installing #16 heads on a 1977 400

Hello, I'm doing my first real real rebuild on a pontiac. Its my sons car its a 1977 trans am with a stock 400. We wanted to boost the hps so we boght some #16 heads rebuilt from a 68 400, we also got a comp cam xe262h the engine also has headers and a edelbrock intake with stock Q-jet. We want to install these soon but after reading some articles I'm woundering if this is a good set up. The 1977 stock cr is 7.6 , will the #16 heads make the cr too high? Also does anyone have any tips on installing the heads and cam.I'M new to the site, Thanks for any help.  

The #16 heads have 72cc chambers and will give you a 10:1CR with flat top pistons and that is too high for pump gas 9.5:1cr is the limit with pump gas.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

Thanks for the reply, can it run good on 93 octane and is there anything I can do to get the cr down to 9.5:1. thanks  

Ya you can have a good reputable machine shop open up the combustion chambers to lower the CR. They will need to open them up to 76-78CC

With 9-9.5:1CR you will have to run 93 octane.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

ok thanks for the infro  

Your welcome.
Anything else just ask.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

The other option is dished pistons, obviously not just a bolt-on but something to consider if rebuilding the whole engine.
Steve  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

Ya but they will most likely have to be custom ordered which will come at a custom price. In the past I have been only able to get flat top pistons for the 326 pontiac engine.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

Wrong post, Pontiacman8 this guy has a 77 TA with a 400. Lol!
Steve  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

Yep! your right my mistake sorry about that got the post mixed up or it was that I have the 326 that i"m building right now on my mind to much.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

Thanks for all the help guys I have a few more questions would I use Spark plugs and pushrods for a 1977 400 or 1968 400 ho and should I plug the exhaust crossover I have electric choke. Once again thanks for all the help.  

No problem.
The push rods are the same and I would go with the plugs for a 1968 or just ask for AC delco # R45s plugs but it should not be a big difference.
Yes I would plug the heat cross over if it is not needed.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

once again thanks for the infro.  

No problem,
Fred8 how about posting some pictures of that trans am in the readers ride section so we can see it.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races