I think that stock, the 216 makes almost 180 ft pounds of torque?
If you put a lumpy cam in, you have to idle the engine high, and you will reduce the torque, but increase HP at higher RPM.
If you are thinking about this, a good read is California Bill's Speed manual. It will have everything in it you want to know, and is entertaining. Jim Carters sells it.
HEI does not give you any more power.
I don't have HEI, or a fancy cam.
I do have the rest though.
What I notice after careful tuning, is a smoother idle, slightly better mileage, an a little more power. But, it sounds, and looks really cool.
Lots of that stuff is for racing, so power gains are generally above stock RPMs.
I did it because I use my truck for hauling, and towing. I also drive 35 miles every weekday. I also just can't leave well enough alone.
I say, get the book. Lets face it, you can do anything. 216's did run at 120-mph on the dry lakes, in four door sedans. Thats pretty darn fast in my books.
Did I mention it looks cool? Hahaha
I believe they crack 150 HP, .60 overbore, a Nicson 3 carb manifold, track grind cam, burning 140 octane with 10% NitroMethane, and 10% Amyl Acetate.
No, wait, with triple side draft carbs, full race equipment, burning methanol, with 10% tap water, and 20% nitromethane, over 190 HP.
Its a great book, with the GMC truck engines, they get up to 310HP.
Ahh, those must have been the days. They even are wearing pith helmets on the saltflats.
