Hello fellow TGO members! Here to beat to death another sore subject I’m sure, but I’ve done lots of searching and reviewing, and ready to start setting things stone. Figured it’s time for a little 1on1 so to speak. I’ve been acquiring parts for a few years in preparation for building an engine for me ‘91 Formula LB9/T5/GU6. In this thread, I’m hoping the experienced and “guinea pig” members will chime in and point me in the right direction. I’m getting older and at that age where I like to do thing right the first time! Lol. I will list what parts I have, with hopes of making the most power for the least amount of money. Big dreams I know!

What I currently have:

89 Corvette 350 std bore short block
89 Corvette 113 Aluminum heads stock
TPiS Big Mouth (base, runners, ported plenum)
TPiS 58mm TB, 24 lbs SVO injectors
LT4 Hot Cam with newer roller lifters
1 3/4 eBay Stainless long tube headers
97 LT1 6 speed transmission
Aluminum driveshaft (currently in car)
Tubular K, lowers, TA and mount, LCA, Panhard
Stock rear with 3.42 and LSD

Part of me seeking advice here is what I can potentially make power wise vs. what I have invested. Car aside, which I got a deal on as well, I have about $600 in all the engine pieces (long block, Big Mouth complete, Hot Cam, long tubes. Sick I know.) All things considering, I might have $6-700 in the 6 speed. I’ve done a lot of wheeling and dealing and making smart buys to come by this stuff cheap as I’ve dumped tons of money in the past for little gains. I’m much older and wiser this time around.

I’m looking at a couple different options here. Re-ring and bearing the stock short block, freshen and port the 113’s, assemble and go. Bore short block, forged pistons and 6” rods, ported 113’s assemble and go. Same short block, aftermarket 190 runner aluminum heads, assemble and go. Or, 383 short block, ported 113’s or 190 runner aluminum heads assemble and go.

As as you can see, I have so little invested in parts that assembling what I have sounds very appealing. However, I don’t want to leave anything on the table so to speak. Also, being so little invested I haven’t really set a budget, but I’m also not rich and don’t want to drop a bunch of $$$ in this project either. I found a reputable shop nearby for the heads, very reasonable as well as the 383 short block. Compared to what the car is currently stock, I’m thinking I’d end up content with 350 and accompanying parts? Anyone with anything similar that has had good results? Feedback?