Need Advice on Rebuild Package - Help Me Choose!

[mca]

I have an 80 engine that I am rebuilding and it will be dropped in my 82SC: Another Engine Rebuild Thread - 80 3.0L

I thought that I had a good plan in place for modest upgrades but now I am having second thoughts.

On page 113 (Wayne's Top Engine Picks) of Wayne's rebuild book I was considering the first option - 95mm JE Pistons with 964 cams and SSI heat exchangers.

Currently my 82 has headers and a Bursch exhaust as installed by the previous owner. So I was going to skip the SSI heat exchanger b/c I don't want to spend another 1k on the exhaust system.

At this point I am considering these three options:

1) Use stock Mahle pistons, stock cams, SSIs

2) Use JE Pistons, 964 cams, keep current headers

3) Use stock Mahle pistons, 964 cams, keep current headers

I am leaning towards #2 for a couple of reasons. 1) It doesn't get that cold down here in Charleston, SC and I have only had 2 driving experiences in 3 years where I wished I had heat. 2) I would have to spend more time and money if I use SSIs as I would certainly want to backdate the system (I like having a clutter-free engine bay).

However if you guys feel strongly about the SSIs and feel that I will get more bang for the buck over the JE Pistons then I will go that route and skip the JEs.

Please advise. I am preparing to ship parts out early next week.

Thanks,
Craig