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When upgrading from a classic Chevrolet head design, it doesn't take a huge amount of work to make a difference with a nearly stock Vortec head. The expense gets higher when you start chasing 400+ hp. Installing a set of "cheater" springs and cutting the spring seats is a good starting point. The same trick has worked in many budget LT1 builds. Larger intake valves and bowl work is also a reasonable investment. The same changes to the exhaust side don't return as much power with a mild cam so many folks skip the hot side work. The E series heads are ok but you might want to think about how much power you're trying to build and how you want the truck to feel before investing in a larger street head. Sometimes the quest for more power, especially with a carburetor, takes a truck from "nice to drive" into PITA territory.