[Alan Roehrich]

Did not see this earlier.

The factory cast iron heads to use are the old closed chamber heads. You will need hardened seats installed, and you can put larger intake valves in, you do not need larger exhaust valves, but you should use good stainless valves. Another option is the Edelbrock small chamber (100cc) oval port. The additional compression is worth massive torque by itself, never mind the increase in flow. You do not need a ton of porting.

Get the Edelbrock oval port intake, you can save money by getting a regular Performer RPM and using the factory adapter under the TBI unit. Or changing to the TransDapt spacer/adapter. Get an adjustable fuel pressure regulator.

If you can and want to take the TBI off, you'll need a really good Q-Jet, and I'd suggest an MSD distributor, since you can't get good new GM HEI parts.

On the camshaft, I suggest you buy a custom grind (get it nitrdided, big blocks are notoriously hard on camshafts) with Extreme series lobes from Comp, you can step up better that way. I'd suggest around 218-222 on the intake, and 224-228 on the exhaust, on a 112 or 114 lobe separation angle, and advance it 4 degrees, with a real true roller timing set. Another option on the cam would be a custom Lunati with Voodoo lobes. Same specs.

Roller rocker arms and 3/8" x 0.125" wall pushrods will help.

Ed Wright owns FastChip, he can burn you a chip, make sure you get it set up for a 180 degree thermostat and no EGR valve.

I can tell you that 1-3/4" headers and 3" dual exhaust makes a big difference in power, fuel economy, and temperature reduction, both coolant and under hood air.

Yes, I guess this sounds like a race engine. but it isn't. I've done this to 1 ton trucks several times, it really works well.

Hope this was not too late to help.