Stock Vortecs don't like lift over .450"
Crane told me my cam (it's been so long I have to go find the box to get specs on it, duration of something like 204/214) requires a better spring than the Vortecs come with stock as well...something like 90lb springs stock, need much more than that with a bigger roller cam. The new beehive springs might well solve the problem with Vortecs and the bad stock springs, but still added expense.
Edelbrock Etecs might be a good bet, I had looked into them previously, but not too in depth. The Fast Burns might be another choice, but I'm betting those heads are better suited to high RPM power, not low end torque like the Vortecs.
Dont' forget Vortecs stock require rail rockers, no re-using non-rail stuff.
Mine needed pushrod clearancing I guess because of the cam. Stock Vortec was like .420" max lift.
Flat tops and Vortecs got me around 9.2:1. Should be no problem on 87 since the Vortec chambers are so much better than older heads, but I haven't been able to test them under load yet. Soon.
Pro-toplines are probably a better choice than the Vortecs. Better components off the shelf, same price or less, and seem to be a prety good quality head both in flow and casting. (thicker too)