ok I have a bone stock 1986 got a few questions on the motor.

will be pulling the motor to rebuild or should I grab a roller vortec engine out of a suburban I can get a long block for like $190 that I can build

plan so far is these parts

Fast TPI setup
AFR 195 Enforcer heads
Cam will decide when I figure out if I want to rebuild the L98 or go with the roller cam motor
stroke to 383
Hooker Comp Headers

Transmission is the auto 700R4 which is coming out for a complete rebuild currently front pump seal is leaking on it but since it will be out going to do a complete rebuild

so should I get the Vortec motor for the roller cam and lifters? pros? cons?

anyone used the AFR Enforcer heads yet with a TPI setup or the Fast TPI setup? if so was it a 350 or was it stroked to 383,396 etc

also with these parts what kind of cam should I be looking at (not going to be a race car) like the racey muscle car sound but also would like some more power?

also with these upgrades will i be able to get a chip tuned or will have to to do this myself for the tuning

 

I have an 86 that I rebuilt essentially stock. The 86 block is a bit of an orphan in that it is an improved gen I block because it has the one-piece rear main seal which is great, but it's not yet a roller block, which came along in 87.

Also, it's a 2-bolt main block, so it is nothing special. So you're choice is to go with a roller cam conversion and retro-fit roller lifters (which I did on my 78, also with AFR 195 heads), or go the long block method you mention. Retro-fitting means getting expensive lifters and a new timing chain cover with an adjustable button in it to make sure the cam stays in place and does not walk all over the place. With a native roller block, you can use cheap GM lifters because of the built-in spider-web retainer and their is also a provision to retain the cam. If you add up the costs of these additional parts, you are probably at the $190 you are going to pay for the long block. You will be machining both blocks and buying new rotating assemblies anyway so those costs are equal.

My honest opinion is that when you go with the AFR 195 heads, they are very capable and like to breathe and you will be better suited with a roller cam setup to take the most advantage. Combine that with the fact that you are stroking out the block to 383 and your original block is a 2-bolt main setup. I can't see anything compelling to keep you from getting the block which is already setup for a roller cam. Mothball your old block in the off chance that C4's get valuable one day.

I have not done any mods with TPI so I will leave it to those more knowledgeable than I to guide you on your other questions.

Best of luck.