ok, i have a 1994 firebird with the factory v8, it is a standby car, and i want to rework the motor, and trhow some parts at it, whats the best route for performance? i want big horsepower without a supercharger or nos, and need it to remain street legal.

take the engine out - bring to a rebuild shop - have them rebuild with bored pistons and performance cam.

check out

http://www.superchevy.com/technical/engines_drivetrain/completebuilds_testing/sucp_0910_chevy_350_engine_build/index.html

This article will give you a sense of what parts to purchase and a ballpark dollar amount for the rebuild. Machine shop charges will vary. Remeber this is using a 350 cubic inch engine, you engine might be the 305 cubic inch.

Street performance Throttle body, low-to-midrange intake,slightly more lift in the cam, long runner headers,K & N filter,low-restriction cats,lower-ratio rear gears, shift kit for your automatic...for starters.This'll give you a sweet street car! But you wanted BIG horsepower.For the street, you build for torque, so lower RPM than high HP.

may also want to consider a crate motor (comes ready to drop in). I you have a target horsepower you want compare the price of building one to buying one with the same HP. consider the warranties as well.

there is a formula for putting togather a door slammer, you'll have to know rearend raito, torque converter stall speed"if auto", to correctly gauge torque cruve and horse power.
you can have a ton of hose power and still not be able launch off line.
, or get a good launch and run out of torque too soon.

Some camshaft manufacturers will help you to set up your engine/vehicle depending on the cam you want, time you want to run , etc. (call their 800#)