M117 compression ratios
 

Can these engines tolerate machine work to increase the compression ratios?

or does the design of the intake manifold interfere?

i have done a bit of research on this and the heads can only be shaven very little and only to straighten..i have a '72 350slc euro and it has the 9.9 to 1 ratio..i am going to install those next winter after rebuild..i also just found out i have low compression in 3 right cylinders..

I imagine more would be achieved by taking the deck down a tiny bit and then the straigtening of the head surface..depending of course on valve travel and where the piston is at TDC. but I'm not about to rip apart my 4.5 when I get it to find out. so I'll have to leave well enough alone on this one :)