I have to tear into the engine of my '88 Formula 350 to replace the lifters. I was wondering if it would be worth my while to do some other performance mods while I got the top end taken apart. I want to stay on a tight budget because the car is going to be sold soon.

Long story short:
1. Do stock heads respond well to mods such as a cam (mild one) or 1.6 rockers?
2. Are the performance gains going to be substantial considering I have a completely stock TPI intake?
3. Does anyone have an idea of what kind of horsepower can be made while using stock heads (either as cast or with minor porting)?

Only other mods are Hooker headers and cat back, AFPR, chip, and K&N.

Thanks

 

If you plan to sell the car just replace the lifters and leave it alone.... Just my 2 cents..

 

iron l98's can be ported to flow as well as afr 190's out of the box...but when u start porting the afrs then its a different story

 

While you're there, I'd put in a cam. Who knows, maybe you'll decide to keep the car ! The stock motor will respond well to the cam, as long as it isn't too big. Comp makes a good cam that will work with the stock PROM and will wake the car up in the lower RPM range. I can't think of the part #, but I'm sure someone here can help me out on this one... . If you stick with a small to moderate cam, you shouldn't have too many problems with the stock TPI stuff. As for power increases, it's hard to say, but with a mild cam you may get 30-50 depending on the exact specs of the cam you choose.