help me build a budget 350 TPI

[Gooch]

I have the chance to buy back my IROC from high school.
I am thinking about a rebuild with stock vortec heads, a Stealth Ram and a cam.

What cam would you recommend and will this be a decent performer?

[jelly2m81]

With that kind of money just get a LSx series engine and be father ahead.

[Gooch]

While I understand where you're coming from, have you priced LS engines? I already have the heads too

[crzyone]

Iron block engines are cheap. 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 are much better starting points than a TPI engine. Check out the LS engine thread in Other Cars to see how strong an LS engine is.

With a cam and ported heads, they managed 450hp out of an LS 4.8L.

[Shaun41178(2)]

if you are keeping the heads, are you going to be doing any porting at least? The vortecs aren't the best for making power, which maybe you aren't too concerned with?

If keeping stock heads, and a stealth ram, I would think maybe a lingenfelter 219 cam would work ok.

You could also go with the lt4 hotcam or even the zz4 cam. Not sure how well these will work though with those heads.

Maybe try finding a cam with less lift around .480 might be a better choice.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Vortec heads are about the best production heads around for a Gen I. However, they have fairly small ports at about 165cc's. They should be good with TPI, and there's even a TPI base for the Vortec port layout. Scoggin-Dickey has it, for example.

I'd go with AFR's if you're getting a Stealth Ram... I understand that's not cheap, though.

You should be able to find a 5.3 for $500 or less.

[Atilla the Fun]

Why didn't you just shoot me a PM?
For your proposal, I'd go with the Lunati 54743LUN. Most HP with least hassles. Plan on a 3.73:1 axle for this cam.
I have a HR 214/220-112 451/462 I'd trade you for your runners and lower intake with fuel rails. This cam likes a 3.23:1 or 3.42:1 as well.
Those exhaust ports need help, and better valves. Otherwise get the ZZ4 cam and invest in springs and a guide cutter.