In reply to eastsideTim :
History shows mixed results. I think I'm settled on new mains, timing set, oil pump. I don't really want to do rod bearings. I don't want to pull the cam. That one is a slippery slope. If I pull it, I'll want a bigger one, then I'll need lifters, studs, then all the rest... it's easy power, but also adds up fast. $$$
We're going headfirst now. Parts cannon loaded and fired. With any luck, I'll have the engine assembled and ready to stab in by the end of the month
Still need intake and exhaust mannys, fuel reg, and mounts. And radiator.
Anyone have experience with drilling/dremeling a standard intake and using it in vortec heads? I've read about it, but hesitant to try. Sitting on a polished Torker, which is wrong for a stock cam, but also shiny so don't judge me. Elsewise I'll just order an eBay one if my WTB ad goes unanswered.
I just gained this much floor space in my garage, and 20% challenge budget towards my swap. Also sold a snare drum, so I think I'll treat myself with an eBay intake and actual headers.
Also double checked my VIN, and the truck actually has (or is supposed to have) 3.73 gears. So it's gonna basically be an economy car. Should land me at 2750ish RPM @60. Who needs to downshift?
Cheap mannys, port cleaning and matching, and we should be running happy. Parts start arriving on Thursday.
To cam, or not to cam. That is the question.
Stock specs, near as I can find, are .414/.429 196* @.050
I'm eying a Summit piece. .450/.450 204/214@.050. Advertised specs with stock rockers. 112LSA. Will fit with no trimming or cutting needed.
I would also add threaded studs which I'm comfortable installing.
Im replacing the timing set anyway, so this is exactly zero more fasteners to worry about.
Just money. $315 to my door. Should I do it? Should I save my money for gas?
Personally, I'd feel regret having it torn apart to that level already and NOT putting an upgraded cam in. But I'm also an enabler, so take this with a grain of salt. Haha.
In reply to barefootcyborg5000 :
Wait, you're actually asking? Here? Is it even a question? 
All BS aside like golfduke said if you're that far in there you'll kick yourself at some point down the road. Seems like short money if you're basically there anyways.
I think you should ignore the fact that a new cam is more work, You're gonna want to avoid that future confrontation with the radiator you'd run into doing it later on.
Some people might say a high performance cam could cause problems but I deny that, after all, why set boundaries on your engine build?
Also, if your significant-other has a problem with you spending that extra money, (I'll cover for you)
golfduke said:Personally, I'd feel regret having it torn apart to that level already and NOT putting an upgraded cam in. But I'm also an enabler, so take this with a grain of salt. Haha.
It's not like I'll ever actually do it later either. Parts don't usually get cheaper, and once I seal this lump up to run, I'd have to spend a bunch on gaskets and fluids again to get into the cam.... but I'm fortunate enough to have a wife that is totally ok with me using a bum trans as an excuse to engine swap, and I'd feel slightly guilty asking for more than is necessary to do it the way I told her I would. As cheaply as possible.
Plus, if 255hp (GM advertised output in 1996) isn't enough in this truck, 325 isn't enough either. At least that's the number I think about with the intake/exhaust/porting job I'm already doing.
But I AM already in there...
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