Starting to put together another sbc got a great deal on a 3.48 4030 forged crank so it'll be a 355. Looking for 12:1 CR. What are the thoughts RE say flat top pistons with a 50 cc chamber VS domed pistons with 64 cc heads... I'm thinking of using pro lightining 50cc heads if I go that route. Any comments and advice is appreciated.

rat,
from what i understand,you will always be better off with a flat top piston.the dome will break up the intake charge and give you less efficent combustion.i would like to hear opinions on the dome's effect on quench,if any.
Eric

RAT NOVA 1 - you nailed it IMO. Go with the small chamber ProToplines and flat tops like you said.

Flame travel is much better when there isn't a dome sticking up in the middle of the combustion chamber. You can run less ignition advance with the flat top which results in less reverse TQ and wasted power.

There is supposedly some additional benfit with a D-dish piston, but its not likely you can still achieve the CR you want with a dish unless you build a stroker.

I agree go with the flat tops and smaller chambers. The Pro Topline heads are actually designed for use with flat tops and don't "mate" very well with domed pistons.