Okay, so I've come up with a tiny budget build that should show some halfway decent reslts out of my TBI 305. I'll be getting: Edelbrock intake Roller tip rockers L98/081 heads, depending on availability LT1 cam True duals (catted for clean air and whatnot) that dump behind the passenger seat. But now I arrive at my question...I've seen a lot of talk about PROM burning on this site...who should I talk to to geta reliable job done? I've been lurking the DIY PROM boards and Idoubt I'll ever understand what on earth they're talking about. How much is it going to run me, and wh should I shoot it to? Links and suggestions as well as warnings greatly appeciated.

I think the carbureted intake with adaptor plate for TBI is the best choice for power.
With a 305 you should probably be looking for 305 heads like the 416 casting so you don't have cylinder walls overhanging the combustion chambers and lose compression. The 305 & 350 heads have identical ports, but the 305 heads have the smaller combustion chambers and slightly smaller valves.

Keep reading the DIYPROM section stickies.

From what I understand...081 cast iron heads are the TPI 305 heads...am I mistaken?

Yes they are 305 LB9 heads. Sorry I was confused by the "L98" in your post.

Which way you go with the PROM depends on what ECM and code you want to run your engine with. I said you should do more reading because that will help you decide on what would be best for your combo. Once you figure that part out, you either set about doing it yourself or find someone who is good with the particular ECM and code that you decide on. Some are much better than others, and there is the EBL option to run TBI that is much superior and has much support on this site.
Then you'll want to decide if you want to run with a MAF sensor or with just MAP only, if you want to run with an IAT sensor or not. You'll also need to decide if you prefer to run in closed-loop mode like the factory, or in open-loop. There are also other options and possibilities to decide on, and that's why it takes a lot of reading. Even if you have someone to do your tuning, you'll still need to know what to ask for.

I would skip the 081 heads and true duals. Invest in the EBL flash, fueling, headers and 3" exhaust from the y pipe and maybe tb.

Will be a fun ride with the lt1 cam and the abowe moods.

Once you tuned this setup you will be redy for heads and biggher cam.

Now that I may be qualifying for collector's insurance, I'm considering dumping the TBi system for a carb. We'll have to see what the insurance guy says.

Making it slower and thirstier by retrograding, makes it collector?