Need help with Mods on 305?

I am going to sup up my 85 Z-28 with the LG4 305 4brll 5 speed. I need to know what will work best with this motor. The first thing I plan to do is put in a Cam and a 600 carb and a intake manifold. I need to know where to look for the cam and what kind will give me the most power. Also I dont know how to install it so does any one know how much it would cost me to have it installed. The next thing is a set of new heads if not that I going to get mine ported. I dont know where to find a set of heads for a 305 so I need to know where to look. If I decided to get them ported how much would that cost me.

Any help or suggestions would be appreicated to get this thing running fast.

Thanks Adam

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CamaroZ2885:
I am going to sup up my 85 Z-28 with the LG4 305 4brll 5 speed. I need to know what will work best with this motor. The first thing I plan to do is put in a Cam and a 600 carb and a intake manifold. I need to know where to look for the cam and what kind will give me the most power. Also I dont know how to install it so does any one know how much it would cost me to have it installed. The next thing is a set of new heads if not that I going to get mine ported. I dont know where to find a set of heads for a 305 so I need to know where to look. If I decided to get them ported how much would that cost me.

Any help or suggestions would be appreicated to get this thing running fast.

Thanks Adam</font>

Adam,

A search of the past postings on this forum will give you more info than you can imagine!

In any event, the exhaust is the first thing to modify on the LG4. 1 5/8 inch shorty style headers into a 3 inch intermediate pipe into a low restriction muffler with dual 2 1/2 inch outlets (it doesn't need to be loud) will add a good solid 30 hp just like that.

Then add a Performer (or clone) intake, port and polish your stock 305 heads using the Standard Abrasives kit and put in a Comp Cams XE 256 cam and you ought to be pushing 300 hp.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Sitting Bull:
Adam,

A search of the past postings on this forum will give you more info than you can imagine!

In any event, the exhaust is the first thing to modify on the LG4. 1 5/8 inch shorty style headers into a 3 inch intermediate pipe into a low restriction muffler with dual 2 1/2 inch outlets (it doesn't need to be loud) will add a good solid 30 hp just like that.

Then add a Performer (or clone) intake, port and polish your stock 305 heads using the Standard Abrasives kit and put in a Comp Cams XE 256 cam and you ought to be pushing 300 hp.</font>

Thanks alot for the info!!!
The next thing I need to know is where to find these things. Im kinda new too all of this stuff so youll have to cope with me. First I looked for both the cam and the headers but couldnt find them. I found the 1 5/8inch shorty headers but they were for 5.0 mustang's only. I need to know where to find both of these where I can purchase them. About the standard abbrasive kit where can I get this? Also im only 16 so are you sure Im going to be able to do this and how does it work. Im guessing if I cant my dad will know how to. I need to know where to get this too. I understand about the headers but not the 3 inch intermediate pipe? I have flowmasters with dual with 3 1/2 inch tips which im guessing your refering to 2 1/2 inch outlets too? Any others help would be appreicated!!! Also what is (a clone) or performer Intake i think you mean just anykind of Intake manifold but im not for sure, I got lost when I saw the (or clone) part. After I get my engine stable enough for some NOS im going to put a dry kit. I pretty sure they make a dry kit for my car if you know of any I would appreicate you letting me know which one would go best. When I add this new cam is this going to solve my car winding up so quickly!! Im sure you know what Im talking about If you have a car like mine. And one other thing do you know how much it will cost me to get a cam installed ballbark figure would be great.

Thanks alot for the help!!!!
Im glad to know there is someone that still has faith in the 305 LG4.

In the states you should be able to get all your parts at the local speed shop. If your town is too small, order from one of the big mail order companies like Jeg's or Summit. Every hot rod magazine has their ads and they are also on the internet at http://www.jegs.com/ and http://store.summitracing.com/

Hooker and Heddman make good shorty style headers.

Here is the Standard Abrasives website: http://www.sa-motorsports.com/ They have complete instructions for porting and polishing the heads right on their site and it also comes as part of the porting kit. Should add 30 hp or so, if you also enlarge the intake valves out to 1.94 from their current 1.82.

The intermediate pipe it the one that goes from the y-pipe (off of the headers) to the muffler inlet. What you have will be fine. But the installation and fabrication is easier if left to a good muffler shop, unless your dad is good at it. He'll know what it's all about.

A Performer is an alluminum dual plane 4 barrel intake manifold made by Edelbrock. Works well on a 305 or 350. Weiand and Holley also make similar intakes. It should be good for around 20 to 25 hp. Your stock QJet carb is fine, but go to www.thirdgen.org (http://www.thirdgen.org) and look up the Tech Article on tuning the QJet.

The Comp Cams XE 256 cam (the Crane PowerMax 266 is good too) will add their power gradually, after the 2500 rpm mark. By 5500 rpm you should gain a solid 30 hp from it. Will solve your "winding up" problem, as you say http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif It's easier to do if the engine is out of the car but is about an 8 or 10 hour job for a good mechanic otherwise. Figure their labour rates for that, as well as the coast of gaskets and parts like that.

Nitrous I don't work with but the LG4 should withstand the occasional 100 hp shot without hysterics. Don't go crazy here or your engine will be toast.

All these mods should get you into the low 14s in the quarter, and the NOS will push the Camaro into the 13s http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

Hope that helps!

By the way, this makes for a completely streetable daily driver that gets 15 mpg around town and 25 or so on the highway. I think that is what 99% of us want.

PS If money is no problem, then check out the Chevy Vortec heads and Vortec intake manifold. They are fairly cheap ($450 for the heads and another $150 or so for the intake) at any Chevy dealership. They will be worth another 20 hp or so over the Performer and Standard Abrasives approach.

[This message has been edited by Sitting Bull (edited June 09, 2002).]

i have a performer intake you would need if you are interested....its yours for $75 shipped

toosloz@team.camaroz28.com

i have pretty much everything sittingbull mentioned, except for the nitrous, and head porting on my car, as listed below, the car has more potential than a 15.17sec pass that is listed, it still has some tuning issues, that we haven't figured out yet, it needs a stall torque convertor, (so that the engine will rev higher before it tries to move the car when you mash the gas) you'll never need this since you have a manual tranny. i also have some trouble putting the power down, we are guessing it makes in the neighbor hood of 265 to 270 hp at the flywheel. if you have any questions just ask someone will answer


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Pics of the Firebird (http://communities.msn.com/HomeOfFirechicken/shoebox.msnw)


84' Firebird, 305ci lg4, 700R4, 288/292 duration .450/.460 lift,Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley 600cfm 4 barrel, K&N, Pacesetter Headers, 3' exhuast, dual tips directly behind the rear wheels, no cat,Motive 3.73's and Auburn Posi
1/4mile 15.17sec @ 92.5mph

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Sitting Bull:
In the states you should be able to get all your parts at the local speed shop. If your town is too small, order from one of the big mail order companies like Jeg's or Summit. Every hot rod magazine has their ads and they are also on the internet at http://www.jegs.com/ and http://store.summitracing.com/

Hooker and Heddman make good shorty style headers.

Here is the Standard Abrasives website: http://www.sa-motorsports.com/ They have complete instructions for porting and polishing the heads right on their site and it also comes as part of the porting kit. Should add 30 hp or so, if you also enlarge the intake valves out to 1.94 from their current 1.82.

The intermediate pipe it the one that goes from the y-pipe (off of the headers) to the muffler inlet. What you have will be fine. But the installation and fabrication is easier if left to a good muffler shop, unless your dad is good at it. He'll know what it's all about.

A Performer is an alluminum dual plane 4 barrel intake manifold made by Edelbrock. Works well on a 305 or 350. Weiand and Holley also make similar intakes. It should be good for around 20 to 25 hp. Your stock QJet carb is fine, but go to www.thirdgen.org (http://www.thirdgen.org) and look up the Tech Article on tuning the QJet.

The Comp Cams XE 256 cam (the Crane PowerMax 266 is good too) will add their power gradually, after the 2500 rpm mark. By 5500 rpm you should gain a solid 30 hp from it. Will solve your "winding up" problem, as you say http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif It's easier to do if the engine is out of the car but is about an 8 or 10 hour job for a good mechanic otherwise. Figure their labour rates for that, as well as the coast of gaskets and parts like that.

Nitrous I don't work with but the LG4 should withstand the occasional 100 hp shot without hysterics. Don't go crazy here or your engine will be toast.

All these mods should get you into the low 14s in the quarter, and the NOS will push the Camaro into the 13s http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

Hope that helps!

By the way, this makes for a completely streetable daily driver that gets 15 mpg around town and 25 or so on the highway. I think that is what 99% of us want.

PS If money is no problem, then check out the Chevy Vortec heads and Vortec intake manifold. They are fairly cheap ($450 for the heads and another $150 or so for the intake) at any Chevy dealership. They will be worth another 20 hp or so over the Performer and Standard Abrasives approach.

[This message has been edited by Sitting Bull (edited June 09, 2002).]</font>

Thanks alot for the info!!
I am pretty sure about going with the Vortec heads on my car instead of going threw the hassle of porting my heads. I went to goodwrench.com to look for them. This is where I get confused. Is this the place I should look for them, and if so my dealership isnt even on the web site for carrying these kind of parts. I live in Midland Tx, so its a pretty big town, so my dealership should have this right? I need to know what kind to get because I dont know or understand which goes with my car. Everything else I completly understand. I am interested about the intake manifold that the guy offered me for 75.00. Im thinking this is a very good deal.

Thanks for the help and sorry to bother you
Adam

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CamaroZ2885:
Thanks alot for the info!!
I am pretty sure about going with the Vortec heads on my car instead of going threw the hassle of porting my heads. I went to goodwrench.com to look for them. This is where I get confused. Is this the place I should look for them, and if so my dealership isnt even on the web site for carrying these kind of parts. I live in Midland Tx, so its a pretty big town, so my dealership should have this right? I need to know what kind to get because I dont know or understand which goes with my car. Everything else I completly understand. I am interested about the intake manifold that the guy offered me for 75.00. Im thinking this is a very good deal.

Thanks for the help and sorry to bother you
Adam

</font>

The Vortec heads and intake manifold are made for each other and the standard smallblock Chevy parts, like the Performer, will not work with them. They are a slightly different design that just doesn't line up properly with the original smallblock intake.

The Vortec heads you want are the L31 heads. Your dealership either has them or can get them for you very quickly. Same with the GM Vortec 4 barrel intake. Texas has a huge GM warehouse.

It is NO bother to help people out on a forum like this. That is what it is for http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

All these parts will bolt right onto a 350, too, when the 305 finally kicks the bucket, so this is a very wise investment http://web.camaross.com/bb/wink.gif

Jusr make sure you keep the camshaft choice to the two we discussed, the Comp Cams XE 256 or the Crane PowerMax 266. If you get into any higher lift then you have to do machine work to the Vortecs to compensate for it. That costs money and the cams I suggested are as far as you want to go for a street-worthy, daily driven 305.

[This message has been edited by Sitting Bull (edited June 10, 2002).]

If you have fast internet access, you can download a video of my 86 Trans Am 305 LG4 5 speed car. Converted to TPI, installed Crane Cams PowerMax 2050 Cam Kit, Pacesetter 3" Catback, stock 87 TPI heads, 87 MAF TPI setup converted to 90-92 Speed Density.
Here is the link to the video, http://www.donpagevideo.com/video/ZepherWS6.mpg

There are other videos in that same directory that were taped at the drag strip when I had my LG4 with an Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake and Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb with stock manifolds and exhaust.
http://www.donpagevideo.com/video/



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1986 Trans Am WS6
LT4 350, LT4 Hot Cam, T56, 52mm TB, , MSD 6A & Blaster 3 Coil, LT1 3.42 Posi/Disc Rear, Lakewood LCA's &
Adjustable Panhard Bar, Jamex Lowering Springs, 17x9 WS6 Wheels,
T-Tops, Custom 4" CAI w/ K&N Filter, 160*stat.
Autometer TriplePod.
High Speed Run: 157mph
Best 1/4 mile run: 14.94@91.67mph (http://www.blackbird.cz28.com/slips.htm) This was with the LG4 carb setup.
WS6 Trans Am. (http://www.blackbird.cz28.com/)

I am very dissapointed in the vortec heads. I went to the chevy house with two of my friends to find out it would cost me $1,500 or more. The heads would only cost 350 then he added all this other crap like gaskets and something about two heads and then head added that all up and said it came out to be $750 or something. Then he said another 5 6 7 Hundred just for labor. Man that goes out he dood quick. I dont think he really took me seriously but thats okay. I going to port my heads I just need to know what kit to buy on the webstie to complicated for me to choose one, Im afraid Ill get the wrong one or something.

Thanks alot adam

This is the one you want:

http://www.sa-motorsports.com/cat/p5.htm

You can put the Vortec heads and manifold on yourself, you know? You don't need the Chevy dealership to do it for you, at $75 an hour. Your dad probably knows how to do it, or one of his mechanically inclined friends.

Does your family have a mechanic that turns wrenches for $25/hr? That is the way to go with the stuff you aren't comfy with.

Yeah that is true im almost positive he could do it or have someone else do it but paying 750 or something like that over more like 60-70 for a porting kit would better suit him. 20 HP isnt worth that much. I could add something else and get just the same results. About the proting kit, when you order that do you have to have any other kind of tools besides what comes in it and if so what? And is it really hard to get heads off or not really? And Im guessing that it comes with something to show how you do it am I correct?

Thanks for all the help,
Adam

hey Adam you got the same car as I do just to let you know with my mods I beat a 5.0L mustang in a race I have the LG4 305 with mods being headman 1 5/8" headers 3" exshust and a mild cam don`t know what kind though you can cheak my car out at my site posted in my sig

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R.I.P Dale Earnhardt 3 Nascar isn`t the same without you
1985 Z28 My pride and joy
LG4 305 5spd T-tops 3:23 posi 3" exshust mild street cam Accel wires shorty plugs cap rotor and a H.E.I super coil FINALY GOING ON THE ROAD MAY 24 after a year owning it
5.0L BEWARE
http://Chevy-Camaro-Z28.CZ28.com
Speed limits Whats that???
Kills 1/0

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CamaroZ2885:
Yeah that is true im almost positive he could do it or have someone else do it but paying 750 or something like that over more like 60-70 for a porting kit would better suit him. 20 HP isnt worth that much. I could add something else and get just the same results. About the proting kit, when you order that do you have to have any other kind of tools besides what comes in it and if so what? And is it really hard to get heads off or not really? And Im guessing that it comes with something to show how you do it am I correct?

Thanks for all the help,
Adam</font>

Yes, you need a die grinder. They are either air-powered or electric and you should be able to rent one.

I think you should go to the library and get a book out that explains in good detail how the internal combustion engine works. You sound like you've never seen one apart before, and it can be intimidating until you actually see how they work.

You also must sit down and carefully budget out what you want to do. There may be cheaper ways of doing what you want, but you MUST do a budget so you can SEE what the alternatives for each piece and procedure are.

Adam,

I hope you weren't put off by my last post. We were ALL newbies at one time, even me http://web.camaross.com/bb/wink.gif

In fact, I'll bet there are a LOT of guys and gals on the board who envy you because you are just starting into this great hobby and passion. The 3rd gen Camaro is the finest handling Camaro that GM has produced. With a good engine it is THE best bang for your buck--bar none!!!

YOU are in for a LOT of FUN http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Sitting Bull (edited June 13, 2002).]

Doing all o this work to the intake side is great, but IMO headers and full 3" exhaust need to be done first.

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1992 Camaro RS LO3/700R4
Brand New 3" Exhaust I-Pipe For Sale
Slightly Used Flowmaster 80 Series Muffler With Tailpipes and Tips For Sale
Brand New ZZ4 Roller Cam For Sale

Don't skimp on your heads. Those vortecs can push 300rwhp with good tuning, the right cam/intake and a 350 (I imagine a little less witha 305..). Not only that but they get good mileage too. I think you'll pick up more than 20hp with the vortecs.... Those stock 305 heads are probably good for a little over 300 fly wheel with some porting, but they don't really have much potential beyond that... The 350 heads have more potential but would bump your compression too low for your liking. You can also take a look at aluminum l98's. They came on 350's but bumped the compression up so they work nice with a 305 too. I've seen them for as low as 400-500 on the net for a set assembled used. These heads have a lot more potential than the ones you have although they are the same basic design I do believe. Plus you have more selection in intake manifolds... although those vortecs are some really good heads for the money...

No SittingBull you didnt run me off I just have been out of pocket for a while, you have been the main source to all my questions and I greatly appreciate that! I do agree that I need to learn more about engines but Im always going or doing something, but Im sure ill learn surely but steady. Im guessing ill stay away from the porting because it seems Im not going to be able to do it and my dad says its not going to be easy and I think he really doesnt want to mess with it, plus I want to get the max HP out of my engine. But about the heads and what to get is still very confussing. About the 350 heads and how they have low compression or something like that, does this mean I dont need to get the vortech heads or not. I want to get a set of heads that will go with my car very well w/o any promblems. Plus I dont wanna pay a million dollars for them either. The first thing I plan on doing is getiing my cam and exhaust done. Then Ill try to start saving for the heads. The only thing im worried about is the labor on getting the cam put in! Im hoping it's not as much as the heads labor or Im going to be screwed. Please tell that its not going to be exspennsive to get it installed. Any other help would be aprec.

Thanks adam

Get the heads and cam done at the same time and it will save u a little money in labour. Lower compression = less HP basically. The vortecs are fine on a 305/350. The vortecs have a smaller combustion chamber which increases compression (but still larger valves/intake/exhuast). Vortecs are worth the dough. Sounds like you're shooting for about 300rwhp and thats about what you should be able to pull down with good tuning and other decent component selection.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Yellowknifer:
Get the heads and cam done at the same time and it will save u a little money in labour. Lower compression = less HP basically. The vortecs are fine on a 305/350. The vortecs have a smaller combustion chamber which increases compression (but still larger valves/intake/exhuast). Vortecs are worth the dough. Sounds like you're shooting for about 300rwhp and thats about what you should be able to pull down with good tuning and other decent component selection.</font>
What is the Difference b/t 300rwhp and 300Hp at the fly wheel or is there any diff?

rwhp is the power that is actually getting to the ground you lose power to friction as the engine turns the tranny adn rear end. Oh yeah people will tell you to get a 350 TELL THEM TO **** OFF BECAUSE THE 350 IS NOT the best engine ever made. The best engine ever made is one that you do up yourself. I have the exact same engine and tranny in my 85 z that you do and I am gunna try to drop a 454, 502, or a 500 caddi engine in my car. So I say you are doing the right thing building up the 305 unless you want insane power and able to put the money in to a big block.

Did that make sense?

Adam,

Sit down and work out your budget. When that is done, post it here for us to look over. Some things are better done first, or in combination with other mods, to make the most of your time and money.

We'll steer you straight http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

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1986 Camaro Sport Coupe, Flame Red Metallic with Black accents, Red interior and T-tops
LG4 305 V8, Hooker Shorty headers, 3" intermediate pipe into Walker Quiet Flow dual exhaust, Edelbrock Performer intake, Edelbrock Performer 1406 4bbl, K&N filter inside a 305 H.O. dual snorkel aircleaner, Crane vacuum advance kit, Proform 50,000 volt HEI coil, MSD distributor cap, rotor and 8.5 mm Super Conductor wires, TH700R4 transmission with Derale 12,000 lb. gvw cooler
Air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power brakes, power steering, tilt wheel, variable wiper, power hatch, rear defrost, "rare" upper hatch third brake light ;)
Kenwood AM/FM cassette deck, Pioneer 6x4 component front speakers, Rockford Fosgate 6x9 Punch rear speakers
Z-28 front and rear sway bars, styled aluminum slots and Goodyear 225x60R15 Eagle HP tires rated for 200 km/h
247 horsepower and 342 foot pounds of torque gross (cam measured seat to seat) at the flywheel.
_ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _
Yea verily, and he did smite the smog heathens from his small block Chevy, even from the air pump to the converter ...
Todd 1:1

This isnt really any exact budget but his is how I plan on doing things!!!
1.Most likely Vortec Heads (1,500-2,000)
2.Cam Mostlikely Comp XE 256
3.Full Exuhast Headers, 3in pipe, maybe a new Cat.
4.Vortec Intake manifold if I go with the Vortec heads
5.100 Shot of juice

This is still very rough sorry but still working on prices. I am going to recive $500 or so from an insurance company because or a car wreck, and I get to keep it. So this is were the mods begin what should I buy first with this money. I was thinking maybe a cam and headers but I dont know if this is going to be enough.

Any help aprreciated

Im still not able to find the cam for my car, well I probally have its just I dont know which one to get. I cant find that actually says XE256, or 266 Powermax I find them but all it says is there lift and durations not the actual name of the cam, so this leaves me in the dark. Im afraid im going to order the wrong one so I would aprec. if you could show me the right one.
Thanks

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CamaroZ2885:
This isnt really any exact budget but his is how I plan on doing things!!!
1.Most likely Vortec Heads (1,500-2,000)
2.Cam Mostlikely Comp XE 256
3.Full Exuhast Headers, 3in pipe, maybe a new Cat.
4.Vortec Intake manifold if I go with the Vortec heads
5.100 Shot of juice

This is still very rough sorry but still working on prices. I am going to recive $500 or so from an insurance company because or a car wreck, and I get to keep it. So this is were the mods begin what should I buy first with this money. I was thinking maybe a cam and headers but I dont know if this is going to be enough.

Any help aprreciated</font>

OK, the headers come first. On the 305 they are worth 30 hp when done with 3 inch exhaust, etc. Hooker or Hedman. I'm not sure how far you can make the $500 stretch but that is where it must go. If nothing else, get them hooked into your stock exhaust and work on what's left as you get more money.

Second, like I said before, those Vortec heads and manifold are NOT going to cost anywhere near $1500, regardless of what the Chevy parts guy told you.

Vortec heads=$450
Vortec intake=$175
Comp Cams XE256 and lifters=$150
________________________________
Total=$775 plus another $100 for odds and ends like gaskets, etc.

It is best to do the heads, intake manifold and cam at the same time because those parts will all come apart and go together as a unit. You don't want to cover the same ground twice by installing the heads and intake, only to have to take off the intake in order to do the cam later. Right?

There's the game plan.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CamaroZ2885:
Im still not able to find the cam for my car, well I probally have its just I dont know which one to get. I cant find that actually says XE256, or 266 Powermax I find them but all it says is there lift and durations not the actual name of the cam, so this leaves me in the dark. Im afraid im going to order the wrong one so I would aprec. if you could show me the right one.
Thanks</font>

Regardless who you order from, those names are correct. Summit or Jegs or whoever will know what you are looking for. Tell them the year of 305 you have and they will get you the right kit. Don't worry, just get them on the phone with their 1-800 number. You just don't want the roller style because you have a regular old hydraulic setup.

Doesn't Midland have a speed shop somewhere in town? If they stock any cams at all, they will likely have the XE256.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Sitting Bull:
OK, the headers come first. On the 305 they are worth 30 hp when done with 3 inch exhaust, etc. Hooker or Hedman. I'm not sure how far you can make the $500 stretch but that is where it must go. If nothing else, get them hooked into your stock exhaust and work on what's left as you get more money.

Second, like I said before, those Vortec heads and manifold are NOT going to cost anywhere near $1500, regardless of what the Chevy parts guy told you.

Vortec heads=$450
Vortec intake=$175
Comp Cams XE256 and lifters=$150
________________________________
Total=$775 plus another $100 for odds and ends like gaskets, etc.

It is best to do the heads, intake manifold and cam at the same time because those parts will all come apart and go together as a unit. You don't want to cover the same ground twice by installing the heads and intake, only to have to take off the intake in order to do the cam later. Right?

There's the game plan.</font>

This is my Budget very detailed for the most part!!! I found these prices on GMGoodwrench.com and the dealer is "Friendly Chevrolet". I have decided I am going to order everything and have it sent to me, then after I have everything I will get it installed. So here it is.

1.Item #12558060 (Cast Iron Vortec Cylinder Head Assembly)= $224.50
2.Item #12496822 (Eliminator Vortec design Manifold) = $257.95 or Item #12496820 (Vortec design Aluminum Manifold) = $228.35 each requires gasket ($15.96) plus attachment Bolts (?).
I havent decided which intake manifold to get, which one would be best?
3.XE 256 COMP CAM = ($150.00 - +)
Total=
1.$648.41 (not includ. s/h and att. bolts) rounded out to 700.00 for all of that.
2.$616.81 ( not includ. s/h and att. Bolts) rounded out to 670.00 for all of that.

So basically depending on which intake manifold I use it will come near ($670-$700) total. How does this look any suggestions?

Thanks adam

p.s still working on euxhuast budget

You are forgetting that you need TWO cylinder heads, so it is more like $450 there. I can't recommend an intake so I'd just get the less expensive one. check out what Edelbrock and Weiand make as well. One might be cheaper.

Either cam will do, they are almost identical. You must get new lifters, too.

The exhaust is first though.

[This message has been edited by Sitting Bull (edited June 19, 2002).]

also make sure that those aren't "bare" head castings, meaning, no valves, no spring, no nothing, i could be wrong but $225, seems very cheap for a complete cylinder head

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Pics of the Firebird (http://communities.msn.com/HomeOfFirechicken/shoebox.msnw)


84' Firebird, 305ci lg4, 700R4, 288/292 duration .450/.460 lift,Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley 600cfm 4 barrel, K&N, Pacesetter Headers, 3' exhuast, dual tips directly behind the rear wheels, no cat,Motive 3.73's and Auburn Posi
1/4mile 15.17sec @ 92.5mph

Yeah sorry about that, I wasnt thinking I had forgotten to times it by two. The cylinder heads come completly assembeled with everything. The pricing just depends on which dealer you order them from. SittingBull how would I put on an Eldebrock Intake manifold with my Vortec heads? I thought you couldnt do that. And yes I still plan on doing my euhxas first just going to get everything first. About the 3 in euxhast how and where can I find this 3 inch. intermed. pipe. If i wanted some more sound coudlnt I get a full cat-back instead of that pipe, or would I still need it plus the cat-back. I kinda want my car a little louder than it is.

Adam

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CamaroZ2885:
Yeah sorry about that, I wasnt thinking I had forgotten to times it by two. The cylinder heads come completly assembeled with everything. The pricing just depends on which dealer you order them from. SittingBull how would I put on an Eldebrock Intake manifold with my Vortec heads? I thought you couldnt do that. And yes I still plan on doing my euhxas first just going to get everything first. About the 3 in euxhast how and where can I find this 3 inch. intermed. pipe. If i wanted some more sound coudlnt I get a full cat-back instead of that pipe, or would I still need it plus the cat-back. I kinda want my car a little louder than it is.

Adam</font>

Edelbrock makes Vortec-type intakes, also, so they might be cheaper than the GM ones. In fact, I think they make them for GM. Weiand might make Vortec style intakes, too. The Performer you were considering was meant for the original style Chevy heads that they stopped making in 1986.

You will have to adhere to Texas polution laws when it comes to your exhaust, so you might be required to use a catalytic converter. Any muffler shop can bend up a 3 inch system for you. Or you can go with a complete pre-made system from companies like Hooker or Flowmaster. They are available from Jeg's or Summit or whoever you are ordering through. It is going to be a bit louder than stock anyway because headers are just that way.

Hey guys, I'm in the same boat as this guy except I have an 84 L69 engine. I'm going for headers next as I already got the Flowmaster 80 put on. My question is after that, should I go intake manifold or cam? I wanted a Performer RPM but from what I understand they won't clear the stock hood, so how much horsepower am I sacrificing going with the regular performer? And for the Xtreme Energy Camshaft (256), do I need to get the lifters and everything or will just the cam work with the stock lifters? I'm shooting for a little over 300 hp. Thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Z28BillM:
Hey guys, I'm in the same boat as this guy except I have an 84 L69 engine. I'm going for headers next as I already got the Flowmaster 80 put on. My question is after that, should I go intake manifold or cam? I wanted a Performer RPM but from what I understand they won't clear the stock hood, so how much horsepower am I sacrificing going with the regular performer? And for the Xtreme Energy Camshaft (256), do I need to get the lifters and everything or will just the cam work with the stock lifters? I'm shooting for a little over 300 hp. Thanks.</font>

Hi Bill,

I would do the cam. The L69 intake is already a pretty good one. The Xe 256 or Crane PM266 are both excellent choices for you but you must replace your lifters EVERY TIME you change cams. They "wear together" to form a whole, as it were. Each lifter conforms itself to its individual cam lobe.

When you remove your old cam, and if you plan to use it again in the same engine later, you can mark the lifters so you know which belongs with which lobe and reuse them.

Ok so the intake is pretty good on the L69? So ordering the Abrasives kit and porting the heads and intake manifold's all I really need to do? Will that be close to 300 hp with the cam, headers, Flowmaster, porting? I'm looking to put my car in the mid to hi 13's with as little money as possible. Thanks.

Oh and what kind of torque converter should I match up with the 256 cam?

Yes, you will be in the 300 hp neighbourhood. As for a torque converter, call Comp Cams on their 1-800 line and tell them what you plan. They are now offering advice on torque converters, too.

I'd guess that a 2200 rpm converter would work well, maybe a little higher.

I have built lots of 305 performace engines. Right now I have a street strip 305 with ported/polished/milled/shrouded and large valve 1.94 in and 1.5 out 601 heads. I love these heads. I have a comp Zcam with 1.5 in/1.6 out aluminum roller rockers. Edelbrock single plain highrise with 1 inch carb space, edelbrock 1405 even though I have had better performance with a Holley 650 DP street/strip or a Holley 700 DP ss/Bracket. Headman shorty headers with 3 inch pipe into cherry bomb extreme exhaust. And With the right trans,stall,gears and tires. The best I have gotten with crank,rods and pistons being stock is a 14.062 at 102.23. I also have an electric fan and water pump, manual brakes and a vega steering box so that there is no extra HP used up by this stuff being hooked to th crank. I am putting out about 300 horsepower to the rear wheels and about 360 HP at the crank. My block is also a 1986 block witch is a 3.74 bore meaning that it is 306ci (305.8) unlike 1985 and older blocks 3.736 bore (305.1). every little bit counts when you work with these small bore engines. A roller cam block would be even better with some of the same mods! Thank you for you time. I spend a LOT of time with 305's

I have done a lot of work to the 1405 carb and switched the roller rockers. I put the 1.6's on the intake side and the 1.5's on the exhaust side. I am now at 38* total timing. Took the car to the dyno shop and had 313 HP at the rear wheels. My best pass with street tires that will not hook has been 13.61. I think with a set of drag radial I should hit 13.40 with no problem.
I am currently building another 305 for a 1985 Grand Prix. I am looking to get 350+ HP at the rear wheels with a TH350, shift kit, 2800 stall and 3.73 gears. HOPING to get into the 12's (even a 12.99 is still in the 12's). Want next 305 build to be all out and matted to a manual trans (SWEET).

Congratulations for bringing back a thread that's been dead for more than 6 years! :lol: Anyhow at least it's a good one!