Heads/Cam w/ 1.7 rockers and PTV clearance

I've currently got a 95 GT that is stock (other than an x-pipe and flowmasters) that I've decided to add some streetable power to. Ordered a Vortech V-2 SQ Trim supercharger that is currently on the way (8 psi). I've been mulling it over, and I think I may also do a H/C/I on the car since it will be down for a bit and had a few questions about some things. I'm re-using some parts that came off my former 87 GT project that were bought but never used as well (42# injectors, TFS 1.7 Roller Rockers, ported GT-40 upper/lower intake, etc.). I'm not trying to skimp on anything, but I would like minimize overall cost because I know that the H/C/I and Vortech is going to produce more power than I personally will ever need. Max HP isn't really the issue, it's simplification of the install process and streetable low/mid power I'm looking for.

Anyhow, I'm considering either AFR 165s, TFS TW Street Heads (.540 max lift), or the TFS TW Heads with the dual spring (.600 max lift). Haven't decided on which, but I currently have the opportunity to pick these heads up for about $1128/$960/$1037 respectively through a private deal. I don't want a radical cam and something like a TFS Stage 1 cam would probably be more than sufficient to me. A little lope is fine, but I want to keep the duration in check to avoid PTV clearance issues. I also have a new E-303 left over from the 87 project but I wasn't sure that it would be good for this combo or not as the LSA is only 110 I believe. I want to use the TFS 1.7 roller rockers I currently have as they are brand new. Here's what I'd like to know:

1) Using the 1.7 rockers and a cam with somewhere between .512 to .542 corrected lift for 1.7s and 226 degrees duration @ .050 or less (TFS Stage 1, E-303, Steeda #19, etc.) which heads (AFR or TFS) are likely to give me the least issue with PTV clearance? Does the rocker ratio even affect clearance since it's duration and overlap that I have been told cause issues? We do plan to clay the pistons, I just need to know which is more like to have more clearance on the factory 95 pistons.

2) Is the new E-303 I have even worth considering for this build? Again, I don't care about max HP as much as streetable low/mid power and anywhere I can use a part I already have would be nice but I don't mind getting another cam though either.

3) Are the single spring TFS Heads even worth considering since I plan on running a cam with 1.7 rockers? Looks like I need to keep the cam's actual lift to about .500 max on the single springs as that's about .531 w/ 1.7 rockers. (Steeda #19 or E-303 are OK, but TFS stage 1 would be about .542 exhaust w/1.7s). I don't mind upgrading the springs if I have to, but I don't ever see myself installing a cam any bigger than what's listed in question 1.

Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can provide.

Grady,

Thanks very, very much for your opinion. After reading what you said, that actually makes a lot of sense. My original thought was that using a centrifugal would give me a tremendous amount of power but, it was mainly above the 3500 RPM area. I was considering something like a Kenne Bell previously but quite a few people had mentioned that they are notoriously hard to get a good reliable tune on with a 94-95 (and when I called and inquired about the possibility of changing my Vortech order it apparently was too late). I figured I'd just go ahead and do the H/C/I and that would extend the power across the whole range and I'd be done power-wise but, I also shared some concern for the abilty of the car to withstand the power of both the Vortech and H/C/I. I figured I'd upgrade some other stuff as time and money permits, but in truth, it's probably a better investment for me run the car with the Vortech first and then determine if that's enough for me.

Based on your recommendations, I think what your saying is that I should concentrate on getting the most I can from the Vortech first, then worry about the stuff like H/C/I later on down the line. Here's what my original plan was (excluding the Heads and Cam idea):

• I had already planned on getting something like an Anderson Power Pipe or a UPR Boostmaster pipe.
• I was going to run something like a PMAS Velocity meter (if it fits inside the fenderwell) or maybe a Pro-M 80mm meter. Not sure which meter yet.
• I already have a set of 42# injectors.
• I have an original GT-40 ported upper/lower that I was going to use for the intake.
• I'd planned on running a Tweecer with a wideband O2 setup.

This is what I'm thinking in addition to the above after your post:

• I think for about $350 I can have my Vortech SQ upgraded to a Si Trim impeller and volute which is supposed to bring the boost on a little faster and add about 2 psi overall.
• I also figured I would add a good set of shorty headers. I know longtubes would produce better results, but they can be a pain to fit in SN95 cars and seem to sometimes cause problems with the ECU.
• Maybe doing a Fox TB swap since I have everything I need from my 87. My GT-40 has a 70mm TB on it already.

Any other ideas that you think might be a good investment for what I'm looking for?

Thanks again!