A small amount can be gained too, by "unshrouding" the intake valve to the gasket. We have a dedicated "Mira" cutter set to the size, but most decent shops have one. A radius of at least .125" should be used (all the way down to the seat). You'll gain another 2-3 CCs, and maybe 5 CFM. Worth it.
Agreed, XE274H is not a good choice. With those heads, you really need at least
[email protected] to make them "work". XE284H fits in the parametric range, but may also be "too fast" for the compression. If you must stay with the flat tappet, I'd prefer something in a symmetric lobe solid. 236/
[email protected], maybe .550-.570 lift would do the trick. We get "custom" grinds all the time. No big deal.
FWIW
Jim