It seems very common for new posters to start their performance search at the wrong end of the car. Since the original post mentioned a T5 swap, I would do that first then the gear in the rear (~3.55) anda limited slip. Drive that for a while and see how you like it. It will be a lot quicker off the line than what you have now. Let the bank account get recharged then worry about the heads, cam and don't forget to upgrade the exhaust! Another reason to do the gears first is proper cam selection depends on your rpm range, which is dictated by your rear gear. Doing the rear first then the engine gives you a better chance of only having to do things once.

Peanut Cam - slang used to describe some bow tie cam - avoid mechanics who speak in Chevy slang.
Popcorn heads??? no clue, must be some kinda of slang
It is your mechanic who has an inability to communicate. If you do not feel he can communicate properly with you, find a new guy.

 

fyi the summit cam mikethevbike spoke of are like 60.00 or 70.00 with lifters right now from summit. i was thinking bout getting a couple just to have on hand for that kinda price LOL

 

The peanut and popcorn names are ridiculous terms basically meaning stock parts. The mechanic really needs to talk plain English to customers.

 

Find a new mechanic. To begin, I have been a cert mechanic for longer than...well since soaring was a pup, lol, and I have NEVER heard the term peanut and popcorn. He's talking trash to make you feel like he is some kinda wizrd. Loose him

 

Thanks for the info! I replaced the rear with 3.55's a while back, and added a limited slip already at the same time (all from Currie). The exhaust is a true dual, with full legnth headers and a couple of flowmasters. I have all that covered, but I think I want to do the engine before the T5, since I can hide my expenses more easily from the wife that way (not too often she pops the hood, you know). Selection of particular Cam/Headers is what I am interested in. There are so many choices out there, it's hard to pick a winner on your own. Someone mentioned some iron GT40p (I think that's what they said) Ford heads, heck for that price, I may go that route.

Again, thanks for the info, I appreciate your time, and have a great day!