The shortblock sounds pretty good -
that duration of cam would likely put
the torque peak around 4500 and the power
peak about 5500. However, even ported
stock heads and esp. stock intake are
going to choke that off somewhat.
just some options - check
www.worldcastings.com for their new and
excellent Roush tweaked windsor iron heads
at about $800 (also avail alum for maybe
$1100), or
www.trickflow.com for their very
good alum twist wedge street heads which can be had some places for about an even grand,
or about the best warm street heads for 302-size motors now are the alum AFR 165's but go closer to $1300. The iron roush windsor's are very close to any warm street
alum head. For intake, you're better off
with i.e. the 2nd level of trick flow street intake (Track Heat, # 51500002 rpm range 1500 - 6500), or the cobra or explorer intake or GT-40. Explorer the cheapest (Ford take-offs - look in ford/Mustang mags), trick flow not bad if you shop, cobra & explorer good mid-range. check out
www.airflowresearch.com for some interesting
archive articles. Your heads and intake are
better suited to someone wanting to keep closer to stock (stock or mild cam upgrade) and should offset much of the
upgrade cost. If your email is posted, I'll send you an article on head comparisons - if it isn't posted, email me at macx@eoni.com and tell me you want the head article. eye-opening. Good luck.