Well, my summary of what I'm taking away from all this is that there isn't a problem with the rings or valves - YEAH!
I may have a lower (9.5:1) compression rating due to the combination of big chambered Shelby heads at 83ccs and a relatively low compression piston - TRW 10:1, but that's what that combination will produce.
I think I'll put it on a chassis dyno next and see what HP I'm getting to the wheels. If I feel that number is low, then I'll move on to doing the other stuff.
Of course, I get the feeling that no matter what the HP I get, at some point it will seem "too low," and I'll have to go get more anyway. I think it's like lots of things - they can never be "too big"
Thanks!