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Jerry makes a good point. Consider strongly what he said.

Begin with knowing what quality of fuel is available. If this will be a daily driver where you are limited to pump gas, then the max recommended static compression ratio with iron heads is 9.5:1, with aluminum heads, 10.5:1. The static compression ratio determines the camshaft timing. If you have other fuels readily available, like E85 or ethanol or methanol or racing gasoline, then the sky is the limit on static compression ratio and cam timing. You could build a motor that is 15.0:1 and run it on the street.

Most newbies will run right out and buy a cam without knowing anything about the rest of the build because there is a certain mystique about a cam. This is a common mistake and I will counsel you.....DO NOT BUY ANYTHING until you have the entire build finalized and recorded. Building a motor is all about a COMBINATION of parts that will work well together toward a common goal, so buying anything before you have a complete build plan will paint yourself into a corner and make the build cost more when you have to change parts that do not work together.

Now, let's begin with a few questions:
1. Do you have a car or truck in mind for this motor?
2. Are you thinking daily driver 100% or weekend drag warrior 100% or maybe 90% street and 10% drag strip?
3. Understanding that a motor will cost about $10 per horsepower in the upper hp ranges, what do you see spending on this project in total and what horsepower range are you seeking? (Any kind of a decent build will include about $1000 worth of machine shop charges). If you're more interested in a tree stump build, where $1000 might have to cover the entire build, then get this book.....
How to Rebuild Your Small-Block Chevy: David Vizard: 9781557880291: Amazon.com: Books
4. What fuel will you use?
5. Do you have tools to do this build?
6. Do you have a place to work that is out of the weather?

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