there are alot of build books out there to help you along on a first time build up-- i would recommend david vizard-- hes pretty basic in explaining theory of internal combustion engines and comes up with some low buck engine build-ups and horsepower tricks that work- one book he has written is "how to build max performance small block chevys on a budget"---hes got a 350sbc build up with 329hp for around $650. some of his ideas work in real world and some dont it depends alot on your skill/knowledge or willingness to learn and try check it out and have fun with it