Thanks for everyone's input, thoughts and opinions. I just got off the phone with Vern and I've made an executive decision.
We're using the S&S 585G and keeping the motor at 9.8:1 CR. 
This CR matches up nicely to the displacement according to S&S. There was no simple way to up it to 10.25:1 for the 625G's, w/o remachining the heads or going with custom pistons. The S&S springs for these cams are good for up to 600 lift cams. The 625G's need the S&S springs good for up to 700 cam lift, which would be way more than ever needed for the 585's.

So after considering EVERYTHING, I'm going to attempt to build an engine that lasts at least 50K miles on the top end and 100K on the bottom, and not have to rebuild it every year. So some of youze might have a shot against me now! Notice I said might! Far as racing's concerned, a lot of it's how you ride, not what you ride!!!

So Hoist is actually leaving power on the table to attempt to get more reliability and longevity. WTH is this world coming to?

Hoist!
