[davepl]

It's not about $/hp, or more cam would always be better.

I'd bet a 350/290 is a better choice for him than if they would have upgraded him to a 350/400 for free! Unless you're talking forced induction, what the cam gives you on the top end it takes away in town. Some people (like me) prefer a smooth idling, torquey motor in their trucks rather than a twitchy high-revving thing... that's what Chevy IIs are for!

Better heads are almost always better, unless they have giant ports.