I recently got a 1981 vette and so far all thats done to it is a msd system and advanced the timing by 10 degrees, I know these engines have low compression, so I was thinking of getting domed pistons. Should I do that first or get a more aggressive cam?

 

I’m not an engine builder, but would be cautious adding domed pistons to low compression heads….stand a chance of valves hitting the pistons.
Most on this site would say better heads would be number one. If it was my money, first is how many miles are on the engine. If it needs a rebuild then you have choices to make. If it is a solid engine, would just enjoy driving it while you save up for new heads, perhaps a new intake manifold, and a new cam that are all meant to work together. Better to do all at once instead of continually tearing the engine down.

 

We don't know much about you or your experience with cars. We don't know much about your 81 either.
Your question does sound abit naive.
In general I believe that perhaps you are interested in getting more power out of your car.
So, let's return with questions for you.
Things like, what transmission are you running? Rear end gear? Other modifications if any to the cars suspension or drive line?
Extremely important, your budget.
How much are you doing yourself?
How much are you paying professionals?
How much faster do you wish to go and why?
And yes your budget and how much your doing yourself will determine to a great degree just how much faster you will go.

 

th350 trans and stock gear
my budget is around 1000 and my mechanic charges me next to nothing
im just looking for more power

 

the engine has 116k miles on it, runs well

 

LoL

That should buy you a good tune-up.

 

The three pedal mod will give you the best bang for your buck. That TH350 is a mushy pile of disappointment.

 

The problem with putting in a cam with those lousy heads is, well, it's a problem.
Your engine has high mileage. Start saving.
You need a much bigger budget.

 

Welcome to the forum!

If you’re looking at getting more power out of your late C3 there’s no better bang for buck option than a true dual exhaust. It provides a good foundation for any future modifications, and is a major improvement over the restrictive pipes from the factory.

You have a 1981, with its computer controlled carburetor and very early version of a powertrain control module. Does your car still have these things? They might be worth converting to the 1980 and older versions if you’re chasing more power.

115k is quite a bit of mileage on a small block Chevy if it has never been rebuilt, even if it runs well. Engines that came before the era of electric fuel and timing control and overdrive transmissions usually don’t last as long as ones that did. The last thing you would want to do on an engine of this vintage is throw parts at it that would increase the cylinder pressure.

If it were my car, I would do the exhaust, and look into building an entirely new engine to swap out the old small block. There’s people on here that will tell you that doing anything but an LS isn’t worth it, but if you want to swap in an engine that would fit using the same motor mounts, accessories, induction system, and exhaust I would look into an L31 vortec engine out of a late 90’s/early 2000’s Chevy truck or van. They can be had for only a couple hundred bucks out of the junkyard.

Oh yeah, and post some pictures of your new car!

 

wait,wait,wait,
1k and you can get domed pistons?

shrug
you either trolling or really unfamiliar with motors

 

NOS wet shot plate fits into your budget. Dial the timing back 2.5 degrees per 50 shot, high octane fuel, 100 shot most likely safe.

 

I second Piersonpie’s suggestion of letting what you have breath better by doing the exhaust.