Performance questions

[Maintenanceman]

Hey guys, New guy from Ky here with a few questions.  So far my only set in stone plans are headers

1.) Ive got a 1985 k20 4wd. Its got a fresh STOCK Crate GM Goodwrench 350 four bolt main. What is the MAX lift I can go with a new cam without getting new pushrods and springs etc.? Also looking for a cam that has a noticeable idle and pick up a few ponies but still streetable. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

2.)  What kinda HP Gains am I looking at with a new intake and cam? how do I match the cam to the intake?

3.) Also,What kind of carbs are everyone running? What is the best one for mild performance but still streetable.

Basically, Im looking for a way to pep up my 350. Let me know what you guys think and here are a few pics.

[VileZambonie]

Where are the pics?

Keep the cam lift under .480 even that's pushin it not knowing what you have for springs. Edelbrock for example has done a lot of matching combo's that work well. For example the performer intake and camshaft. To give any close #'s we'll need engine specs.

[Maintenanceman]

Not sure exactly. All I know is that its a crate 350 that dad gave $1400 for at a local dealership. Nothing fancy or high performance. Just went back with the original motor that came in the truck factory. So I guess it would be factory specs all though Im not sure what those are.

[eventhorizon66]

8.5:1 CR;  Crappy square chamber heads;  Cam: 194°/202° duration @ 0.05", .383"/.401" lift, 112 LSA

If I were going to keep the stock compression, heads, and valvetrain, I'd look at the Isky Mega 264 very seriously, and team it up with an Edelbrock Performer or equivalent.  But I've never built an engine, only read a few books, so wait to see what Vile and others say.

[fitz]

 As far as the carb goes I've run a few mild street motors with the Edelbock 600 CFM carb on an Edelbrock Performer manifold and they all ran great.
 I'd let Vile pick the cam. Years ago I made the mistake of putting a Comp Cams 270 Magnun series cam in a 69 camaro with a junkyard  high mileage/low compresion 350. It sounded killer but the car was a dog with it's 3.08 gears. It was a 4 speed so at least you could rev it too the moon and dump the clutch and pretend it was fast.

[joesgarage71]

 Your engine has 249HP. add cam, Headers and a intake you might get 50 HP more if your lucky.
 I like Q-jet carbs good milage and they still have the wow factor when you hit the loud pedal!  Though the one you have is an emissions carb. Performer RPM intake will work good too.
Any cam that has a 110 ICL and around 450 lift will be fine with the stock valve train and have the lope you want.