Well called BTR and confirmed with them what I should do. They think a flat top (-3.2CC for reliefs) with rods (I'm going K1 HD), their "Red Hot" cam, AFR enforcer heads etc should run VERY well on pump and e85. This would net ~10.7:1 compression which they indicated would be fine at 15-18psi (don't know if that's pump or e85 but I have zero issue swapping pulleys).
The big thing is getting parts ordered so I can get the engine to the machine shop. I don't know when I need to use an o-ring or fire-ring but they indicated a good gasket like a Cometic MLX would be perfectly fine when paired with a decent head fastener.