Alright, before you criticize just read this all the way through. I have a 1990 Trans Am with an LB9 and I'm keeping it in there. I know this sounds crazy but here me out. This is more a restoration project than big power build up. I'm not swapping out the engine until this one dies, then I'll take all your advice on that but I'll probably go the 383 HSR route when the time comes. Also I'm not wanting any forced induction on this engine. Here is a list of parts I have already or have coming soon:

Edelbrock Strut Tower Brace
Ported Stock Plenum
Big Mouth Runners
Edelbrock Ported Lower Intake
Electric Water Pump
BBK Underdrive Pulleys
Dyno Don Headers w/ removed A.I.R. and Y-Pipe
Magnaflow Catback
New injectors depending on the power output
Accel 300+ Ignition Kit
Holley Air Foil
Removed EGR
Heads
Cam

I'm trying to do research as to which heads would be best for my setup. Once I get that figured out I'll call Crane about the cam. Here is my question, which heads are the better bang for the buck, ported L98 Aluminum, AFR 180's, or Dart Pro 1's? Like I said this is more restoration so I'm keeping the stock engine in it even though adding all these aftermarket parts kinda goes against the whole restoration rule. Also, any advice on how to get a little more power of course without engine swaps or forced induction would be happily appreciated. Please just don't mention that, I just had a huge argument with some people at another site that I won't be going back to that all started with them recommending engine swaps and prochargers when that's not the knowledge I'm after. I already know the benefits of swapping the engine or adding a blower.

 

Piece of advice, keep the EGR unless the new heads do not have a provision for it

Your engine will run better with it, than without

 

I'm going to do more research to see which heads will be best but if they have the provisions I'll keep that in mind. I took it off my 87 Mustang and didn't notice any difference but this is my first time dealing with a 305 TPI.

 

If going bigger later...L98 aluminums for the 305. Spending money on better heads that you have to mill to get the compression to "normal" (for the 305)will possibly make them obsolete when you go to a 383+...depending on purpose and matching components, etc. etc.

 

you could get world product s/r torquers which ever says are great out of the box for the price they are.

 

I think when I step up to the 383 I'll probably wind up ProCharging it as well. Of course that's for years later down the road. Which ones would flow better and be the better bang for the buck, the Vette heads or the World Products heads? When I go to the 383 I'm going to have T&L build my short block and I'll probably wind up running either AFR's or Dart heads. I've read that the AFR's can give up to 80 more hp than the L98 heads, but that is probably fully ported with the intake ported to match (which I am planning on doing) but probably not with 180's. I'm sure the 195's would be major overkill.

 

Also consider a Holley adjustable fuel pressure regulator and FMR fuel injectors.

 

ahh for some reason i forgot to put that on my list, thanks for reminding me. also, do you think i'll need to upgrade the fuel pump or will the stock one work fine?