I have an '87 GTA that I am slowly working on in my spare time. It developed a loud and pronounced ticking after my daughter drove it 20 miles in 2nd gear doing 55 mph.
So I am now going to start tearing down the topside to see what I can find. Before this tragic event I was going to convert the TPI to carb. I have the pre-87 intake, distributor and carb.
I was looking for some input on just how far/much I should be doing as I go forward. My thought was removing heads and having them checked out along with pushrods and the like. For performance what should I be thinking about doing with the heads and possibly other valve train parts.
I am working with the 350 TPI. The GTA does have a posi rear-end, a mild shift kit in the tranny. The exhaust is flowmaster from the cat back. Wondered about headers and what should I upgrade to. And can they be installed with the motor still in the car.

Thanks in advance for any input. I continually gain more knowledge as I read these forums. You all are a terrific community.