i am definitley going to go carb on my 88 formula. i have a 22k .30 over L98 right now with TPI. i am thinking of adding a set of vortec heads, prob pro topline. what would be a nice cam for this combo? i drive it everyday around 7 miles, and occasionally crusie around. i want to go with a semi radical cam since i really dont do alot of stop and go city driving. i have heard about comp cams xe line and was wondering wich i should get? i am not very knowledgeable with cams, and a buddy is going to help with all of this. he suggested going ahead and throwing on a nice timing set too while everything is off. i am going carb because the tpi is just not real friendly to me. what part number edelbrock intake will i need for the vortec heads. i have a set of edel headers that havethe air tubes melted down and closed off, would they be good for this combo? emissions are not a concern in my area, and gas milage really isnt a concern either siince i only drive 7 miles round trip to work. keep in mind this a daily driver and reliability is a concern as well as hauling some ***. i am slowly getting parts and hope to get everything ready to swap prob this fall or end of summer. i just figured while i have the car down for a carb swap, might as well give a nice power increase as well( do it all at once)!
any suggestions are welcome and greatly appreciated!!! thanks

 

Cam: Comp XE284 (make sure the valve springs can handle it. New timing set assumed w/new cam)
Push rods: flat-tappet length
Rockers: Roller or roller tip (don't know for sure if the Pro heads need self-aligning like factory Vortecs do)
Intake: Edelbrock Performer RPM 7116
Carb: Holley or Demon 750 DP
Fuel pump: 3-port regulator if keeping in-tank electric, high-volume mechanical if removing
Distributor: Vacuum/mechanical advance version
Torque converter & gears: 3000 & 3.42 (or 3.73), respectively (got to let this thing spin up into the cam/intake power band)
Headers: What you've got is okay

Don't chop up the wiring harness. It can be split apart so you keep what you'll need and the rest can be used by someone else.

When all the TPI stuff is off and you've got the carb setup running, box up all the TPI/ECM parts and send them my way.

 

since i have a 5 speed, what would be good gear for the rear? also is that cam too radical?

 

Ah, 5-speed. 3.73-4.10 gears.

The cam is better suited for manual than it is auto tranny. You could go for a roller version, too. About 2x cost, but your roller lifters can be reused, no new pushrods required, and it's the later technology.

Better start saving for a Tremec and 12-bolt.

 

i was thinking of swapping in a th-350 when the 5 speed goes out on me. i have a 9 bolt in my car now, that should handle it shouldnt it?

 

i have the setup you are going for basically. i have the stock 10 bolt w/3:73's and it has held up for a while. you should be fine

 

A rear will tend to be able to take more abuse with an automatic in front of it than it can with the shock treatment of a manual tranny.

 

ahhhh....very true. once again schooled by the great five7kid. you have taught me so much dude, seriously. anyways he's right.