I've heard told that to up the compression ratio to 11-1 on a earlier 2.0 zetec I can fit a Focus multi shim head gasket...should be about 1mm (40 thou) thinner than the original...anyone tried it or confirm it works?

Also will it cause me to hear the sound of breaking valves using Piper 285 cams?

Would ask Piper but they normally play safe and say all clearances must be checked blah blah blah.

From memory Felpro gaskets are around 40thou thinner than standard.

With regard to valve clearances I would suggest some plasticine on the piston tops and build with the old gasket so you can see how much clearance you have. You can then build in sufficient clearance.

With a 285 and chambered head I would expect you will be nowhere near valve/piston contact unless you lose the belt.

Do you think 11:1 will be OK on standard unleaded or will you be going for super unleaded.

Super jungle will be fine. I will have a rolling road day at Emerald to get it set up.