Scott.
My 65 runs 10.5:1 on 93 octane.
I run a lot on the street as well as the strip.
If you can get over 10:1 and make a cam change I think you can get into the 7's.
I hope there are no hard feelings about losing the tunnel ram.
It does fit the nostalgia feel of your Nova.
And your Nova does look bad.
Good luck and I hope you get it ther...keep us posted on your progress!!!!!!!!