4.3 V6 Performance

[three8six]

I have a 1986 4.3 V6, bored .30 over, and pace setter shortys. I was planning on getting one of the Edelbrock Intake Manifolds(they are the only company I found who makes them) Also I am wanting a cam? I'm not a mechanic and was wondering if my motor would have to be removed to put a cam in it? Also would I have to replace my rods/lifters anything of that sort? What would be the most lift I could have(I probably don't need alot because I want the power to be in the lower end of the RPM range)?

[KoolerSL2]

your factory intake is a high rise.
i had a 4.3 originally in my truck.
all we really did to if before going to the 355 was bored it .030 over, flat tops, lunati made a good cam for power under 5k rpm.
then slapped a holley 600 on top, and ran 2.25 exhaust with flowmasters.
i can tell you from personal experience that it woke it up to say the least and pulled really good ( car hauler with camaro race car.)
but going V8 and you will think why did i ever build this thing in a full size truck.

[three8six]

I'm not wanting to put a V8 into this particular truck. I will probably be getting an 85 with a 454 in it in the next couple of weeks. I need this truck to be my DD, and I know the motor is reliable  as I go to college and work full time and I need it to be reliable.