Ok guys, I'm an LT1 guy, but I've got a friend with a 305 TBI Formula and he's looking to get a nice cam for it.

He's got a set of TES Headers on the way, and already has a cat back, as well as a centerforce dual friction clutch, and all of the free mods, k&n filter, etc.

What would a nice cam be, little lump to it, still pass emissions if it has to, and a nice increase in power. I've heard of people putting LT1 cams in, but most lt1 guys are putting CC305 or CC306's in, is there any reason to not do this with a 305, if so why?

What would you suggest and why? What have you used? Would you do it again, and if not, why?

 

Im running a stock LT1 cam in mine, its a ton better than stock. It works real good with the stock heads (which really really really suck). I just want more cam with my Vortec heads and Performer RPM manifold.

The next one I'll put in will either be a ZZ4 cam or a CC304.

 

I'd recommend an LT1 cam. The reason the LT1 guys upgrade is a number of reasons:

1. 45 more cubes.
2. Much better intake.
3. Much better heads.

All 3 of those allow for a more aggressive cam. The 305 TBI has poorly flowing heads, small bores, and a pretty crappy intake for high performance use. The LT1 cam will pass emissions, give you the extra power you're looking for, and should be compatible with the stock computer (although tuning will help). You should be able to pick one up pretty cheap. I see a lot go for under $50, and since it's a roller, that's a steal compared to new prices!

EDIT: I hope the exhaust components he bought were for a 305/350 TPI car, and NOT his 305 TBI. I would seriously reconsider if he bought the stuff for the 305 TBI.

 

Hey guys, I'm the one Blue 89 Bird was referring to ... I just registered.

I appreciate all the comments, please keep them coming.

Marc - I did purchase the Headers/Ypipe for a TPI car. The y-pipe is 3 inches, not the TBI's 2.5 or whatever it may be.

Here's some more stuff that I didnt tell Jason before he wrote the post for me ...

I have the option to put in a 350 (.030 over) from an '86 GMC Suburban. It was completely refurbished about 3 years ago, and since then only has a few thousand miles on it. It was rebuilt to stock though. What CAM would work well for this motor, if I should go the route of upgrading to the 355? (keep in mind that it cannot take a roller cam) ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Also I plan on installing an Edelbrock Performer TBI Intake while doing the cam swap (on either motor). Would this allow me to use a slightly larger cam than the LT1, or are the heads still flow too poorly? What if while this was all appart, I had the 305's heads done - ported and polished?

Last, but not least, I do have the ability to do my own prom burning. So matching my computer is not that big of a problem.


Thanks,

Kurt Z.

 

Kurt, i would do what ever you can to get rid of the boat anchors . . . err . . . i mean . . . heads from the l03, they are going to kill any chance of your car making power.

i also wouldn't waste my money on the performer TBI intake, just get a good 4bbl carb intake , and use an adaptor plate. to bolt your Throttle body unit.

some very good reading for you (if i am allowed to post a link for another website )
http://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/show...hreadid=160969
this is a thread about the upcoming plans for my car, that inlude heads/cam/intake, and talking about the TBI intakes vs 4bbl intakes. there is some really good info there.

Cheers
John

 

Yea my 187 heads look pretty good sitting on the shelf with all my other old parts Dont waste your time with them, and if you have the oppotunity to go with the 350 definitely do it. I went with the Performer RPM Vortec carb manifold with the holley tbi adaptor and I love the manifold.

Extra volume is goodness.

 

86 350? If possible I would stay away from the 86. It's kind of an "in between" year. The 87 and up were roller motors, with centerbolt heads. The 85 and previous had two piece rear mains, so things like a few gaskets, cranks, and flexplates cannot be interchanged. The heads on that 350 probably aren't any better than the 305TBI. However, it will give you a 45 cube increase along with more future potential. Another thing to note: Your TBI intake will not bolt up to the stock heads on the 86 350. The intake bolt angles are different. They can be modified to work, but its a hack job. Also, the LT1 cam cannot be used in the 86 350, due to it not being a roller block. Something along the lines of a Comp Cams XE 262 would work well, and provide a little more power than an LT1 cam. It may pass emissions, but that would more heavily depend on motor tune and catalyst condition.

Good job on not getting the TBI exhaust components

 

Marc - thanks for the info on the 350's, however I am kinda stuck with the '86. We took it out this summer, and scrapped the burban. Now its just sitting there on the engine stand pestering me.

Would I be able to use the intake manifold that's on the 350 now? It was carbed when we took it out, but I would like to keep the TBI. Could I just use an adapter?

Thanks

Kurt

 

I assume its got the stock QJet spreadbore intake on it right? I don't know if anyone makes an adaptor for the TBI to fit a stock QJet intake And even if they did, what would hood clearance be like? Edelbrock might make a TBI manifold that would bolt up to 86 and earlier heads. But I've never looked into TBI performance because of not owning one, so I can't tell you for sure.