That is very well said. Even if the cam was advanced it is to small to change the cranking compression much.

Contrary to popular belief compression does NOT need to be within 10% to be ok. Cylinder leakage tests would be a much better way to gauge engine health than to use just a compression test.
190-200 does seem a bit high but I've quite often seen engines in the 150 to 170 range.
I'd want to double-check that compression gauge for accuracy by using a different one and comparing the readings.

tmdog,

My vortec 350, 30 over is 160 when just rebuilt. I have built the motor twice and alyways get 160. My last build was a couple of years ago and the motor is still running great.

You can actually add well over 50 Ibs cranking compression with a degree change. An engine with this much cranking compression will have very good low end torque, but will detonate alot easier than the same motor with lower cranking compression.

After water testing today, the results on in. First I would like to thank all that responded. There is no doubt the engine was burning extremely lean. Upping the jets to 78-86 and running octane booster that advertises 6 full octane numbers, there was no change in rpm. Pulled the plugs and could not ask for better color. You guys put me on the right track before I had a melt down. Will run this eng. until year end and swap to a 383. It never ends, does it? Thanks Jim