I'm sure there's lots of good info in this thread, but I've only read Greg's first post (looking forward to the rest!)
I have a hypothetical
Using a typical 230 at .050, .480 lift white box cam as a baseline, which mod do you think will make more horsepower?
230 at.050, .530 lift.... or...
250 at .050, .480 lift.
I think I'd bet on the 250 to give quite a bit more top end power....
...and the .530 to give more usable, drivable torque
So, depending on intended use, which would you want?
Street car, I'll take the short duration/big lift cam every time.
Bracket racer (1/8 mile) I'd shoot for the duration I want, and look for as much lift as I could get.