Newbie question

Its more of a general question for any car. I got my fox about 8 months ago and have been restoring it and doing a few suspension mods. Before I actually start building the motor up I want to make sure the car is capable of handling the power I want. Anyways I'd like to understand more about the motor and various things before any work goes into the motor too. I have basic knowledge and have pretty much done all work on all my vehicles myself but some thing im still new too.......like when reading about cams. What to all the number mean when looking at cams, like duration lift etc?

Thanks Hissin......Ill be checking out some sites later. I havent come to a set goal since Im taking my time getting to the motor and tranny work. I have decided I'd like to stay N/A (although I love the sound or a BOV and whine of a S/C)........a slight possibility of some nitrous but I'd rather not. Initally I was thinking of trying to reach the 350-400 whp mark. But if it would sacrific my ability to jump in the car and cruise around town for the day whenever I want, I'd consider going with lower numbers. The car is not my daily and it never will be but having a car that requires excess work to keep it running isnt something I want either.