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.

 

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! Anyhow at least it's a good one!