I'm swapping my 5.0 to a 5.7 and I found an engine from an 89 GTA. Since the engine will be out of the car I'd like to do some mods while its apart. I'm thinking new cam, and maybe new heads as well? Anything else to get the most out of a TPI engine without losing gas milage? Its a daily driver and I take it on the highway about once a week so I don't want to go overboard with tall gears and stuff like that. 87 octane gas is a must.

 

Cam and heads is a good place to start. I would not to go crazy on the cam. You can make good power on a small cam such as the ZZ4. Buy the best heads you can afford. This is where the power is.

All this will do no good unless you upgrade the exhaust system. The exhaust has to get out to make power. Same goes for the intake system. An Edelbrock TPI intake manifold and a good set of aftermarket runners will do. The factory plenum can be modifed to flow all you want.

 

I have dual 2.5" pipes so that should be fine. I was considering getting a new intake but I don't really want to spend $700 on something like that.

What are the most commonly used heads around here? I'm looking for cheap power like everyone else on the board. I'll definitely port the plenum while I have it all apart.

 

Any head reccomendations?