305 Cam Selection
06-20-2013, 11:17 PM
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: T.P.I. 305
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: Richmond 3.73
305 Cam Selection
After hours and hours of thought, I have decided to rebuild my 305. Please, before anyone suggests that I throw it out and replace it with a 350, don't. I'm a father on a budget and I want to stick with the 305.
The car is mostly stock with the exception of Bosch Gen III injectors, and upgraded ignition system (MSD). It is a 91 model with automatic tranny and 3.73 ring and pinion. Also, it is not the high output 305.
My question is; what is the best cam to run and retain the factory tune. The area that I live in has absolutely no one that is willing to tune the older stuff and I've been burnt with mail order tunes in the past.
I would like to run my heads, but I am willing to have the machine work required to run a little larger valve if necessary.
I have been looking at Crane's Hydraulic roller cam, part # 104224.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-104224
If this is a suitable cam, what valve springs should I run and what size valves would be the best combination for this cam?
Thanks guys for the help!
The car is mostly stock with the exception of Bosch Gen III injectors, and upgraded ignition system (MSD). It is a 91 model with automatic tranny and 3.73 ring and pinion. Also, it is not the high output 305.
My question is; what is the best cam to run and retain the factory tune. The area that I live in has absolutely no one that is willing to tune the older stuff and I've been burnt with mail order tunes in the past.
I would like to run my heads, but I am willing to have the machine work required to run a little larger valve if necessary.
I have been looking at Crane's Hydraulic roller cam, part # 104224.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-104224
If this is a suitable cam, what valve springs should I run and what size valves would be the best combination for this cam?
Thanks guys for the help!
06-22-2013, 09:33 PM
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Car: 1989 G92 IROC-Z
Engine: 5 Liter 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: 305 Cam Selection
Your leaving way too much out there which is why your probably not getting answers. I'm assuming your going with a stock rebuild with stock heads and intake set-up? What
"bolt ons" do you have?
"bolt ons" do you have?
06-23-2013, 12:54 PM
#3
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Car: 1989 Trans Am WS6
Engine: SBC+TPI+BOOST
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton 373
Re: 305 Cam Selection
I think you already chose the perfect cam right there. Mix that with a ported plenum, runners and port out the base of the intake to get the most out of that cam. Also be sure to do the right/good hardware in the heads- retainers, springs, etc. A good exhaust system with shorty headers. And that 305 will sound GREAT with that cam. Trust me..
06-23-2013, 01:14 PM
#4
Re: 305 Cam Selection
Originally Posted by cwv2
I have been looking at Crane's Hydraulic roller cam, part # 104224. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-104224 If this is a suitable cam, what valve springs should I run and what size valves would be the best combination for this cam?
Should do well for you though...
06-23-2013, 04:09 PM
#6
Re: 305 Cam Selection
Dude I ran a ZZ4 cam in my 305 tbi car and I wish I'd gone bigger lol, but......that cam doesn't look terrible for a 305 but it's honestly not much bigger than an LT1 cam so instead spending that much on that cam just get an LT1 cam with 1.6 rockers and you'll be DAMN close to that one for far cheaper.
06-23-2013, 05:52 PM
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Car: 92 Firebird, 77 Trans Am SE, 86 Z28
Engine: 5.7 HSR, T/A 6.6, empty
Transmission: T-5, TH350, T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi, 3.23 posi, 3.23
Re: 305 Cam Selection
Are you're bosch III's still 19lbs'ers? If you moved up to a larger set you'll have to retune anyway. I'm not sure of the limits to a factory speed density tune. I do know a fair change in vacuum will throw the system for a loop. A MAF setup would give more wiggle room. I personally don't change a cam without planning on tuning so I don't know if that cam is within reason or not... the guy's have been posting that cam is small but may have not noticed the factory tune limit.
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06-26-2013, 12:10 PM
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: T.P.I. 305
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: Richmond 3.73
Re: 305 Cam Selection
Here's the plan. go with the cam that I mentioned in my original post, a set of Accel high flow runners, vortec heads with the tpi intake to match, possibly a 52 or 58 mm throttlebody and a SLP tri-y exhaust.
Opinions? ?
Opinions? ?
06-26-2013, 12:31 PM
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Car: 1988 Iroc-Z Red T-tops
Engine: 305 TPI LB9 55k miles
Transmission: Auto 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: 305 Cam Selection
I think all good items but even with the vortech on a 305 and that setup you probbaly will not outflow the TPI unless you get much more aggressive cam headwork tuning and already port and polished.
I think you could just port your stock heads and base with the cam and instead of new throttle body get exhaust and headers instead.
you could go with vortech and base too but probably similar gains as ported tpi setup but spend more.
I think you could just port your stock heads and base with the cam and instead of new throttle body get exhaust and headers instead.
you could go with vortech and base too but probably similar gains as ported tpi setup but spend more.
06-26-2013, 01:47 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am WS6
Engine: SBC+TPI+BOOST
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton 373
Re: 305 Cam Selection
You can also do ZZ4/113 heads with that cam 1.6 rockers to bring lift to 500. What you're doing with the intake, shorty headers, cat back. Then maybe some gears and stall if you want to feel it more. That would be a strong runner on the stock tune. But you should at least use a good AFPR It's needed. You should also strongly consider new injectors, chances are originals are shot.
06-26-2013, 01:53 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am WS6
Engine: SBC+TPI+BOOST
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton 373
Re: 305 Cam Selection
Ok. Just noticed you have new injectors and gears. Focus on a worked over set of 113,s with good hardware in them. I say that because there aluminum also. And it's been said here that the TPI Vortec base dosent flow very well. I'd port the hell outta the hole intake and port as gasket match to said heads. That will be very fun on the streets. And sound great with a good catback.
06-26-2013, 07:57 PM
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Car: 1989 G92 IROC-Z
Engine: 5 Liter 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: 305 Cam Selection
This plan right here is pretty much what I would do. I don't care what people will tell you - the Vortec heads even in cast iron are far more advanced in design with greater benefit than the aluminum 113's. Better combustion chamber promoting a quicker burn thus requiring less timing, improved port design and valve angles, superior low lift flow numbers (a HUGE compliment to TPI - right there,higher peak flow numbers and they aren't that expensive. Most people complain about the extra cost of the intake. Yes, that money could be extra cash for aluminum heads but after getting aluminum heads you would have to do intake work to make the most of it anyway....
I am in no way telling you 113 heads suck, there is a member on this board with VERY respectable times and power with those heads and a 305. They would actually be my 2nd choice for a budget 305 build.
It is just my belief (with solid fact backing this) that the high velocity nature of long runners (that aren't that big either), and nice low end torque needs a head that encourages these attributes.
Just make sure you get the ones already machined for .520" lift so you can have a wider cam selection. They even make them ready for .550" if you have the clearance.
06-26-2013, 08:31 PM
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Car: '87 IROC-Z | '99 SS
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Transmission: 700R4 | T56
Re: 305 Cam Selection
What about upgrading to the Weiand Stealth Ram. From my readings on the Board thus far, spending money on the TPI runners, and porting won't net gains worth all the effort.
I am thinking about also sticking with the 305 as it is in good health.
I am thinking about also sticking with the 305 as it is in good health.
06-26-2013, 08:37 PM
#14
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: T.P.I. 305
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: Richmond 3.73
Re: 305 Cam Selection
You can also do ZZ4/113 heads with that cam 1.6 rockers to bring lift to 500. What you're doing with the intake, shorty headers, cat back. Then maybe some gears and stall if you want to feel it more. That would be a strong runner on the stock tune. But you should at least use a good AFPR It's needed. You should also strongly consider new injectors, chances are originals are shot.
Thanks for the reply. I already installed a new set of Bosch Gen. III injectors. And with the 3.73 gear, I really think the only thing a stall would do is add to the traction problem I already have.
06-26-2013, 08:47 PM
#15
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: T.P.I. 305
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: Richmond 3.73
Re: 305 Cam Selection
You just said exactly what I was thinking. Check out this article on vortec heads installed on TPI engines.
http://www.camaroperformers.com/cama...l/viewall.html
http://www.camaroperformers.com/cama...l/viewall.html
This plan right here is pretty much what I would do. I don't care what people will tell you - the Vortec heads even in cast iron are far more advanced in design with greater benefit than the aluminum 113's. Better combustion chamber promoting a quicker burn thus requiring less timing, improved port design and valve angles, superior low lift flow numbers (a HUGE compliment to TPI - right there,higher peak flow numbers and they aren't that expensive. Most people complain about the extra cost of the intake. Yes, that money could be extra cash for aluminum heads but after getting aluminum heads you would have to do intake work to make the most of it anyway....
I am in no way telling you 113 heads suck, there is a member on this board with VERY respectable times and power with those heads and a 305. They would actually be my 2nd choice for a budget 305 build.
Thanks for the info man. You just said exactly what I was thinking. If you haven't already saw it, this is a great article about the vortec heads on a TPI engine.
http://www.camaroperformers.com/cama...l/viewall.html
It is just my belief (with solid fact backing this) that the high velocity nature of long runners (that aren't that big either), and nice low end torque needs a head that encourages these attributes.
Just make sure you get the ones already machined for .520" lift so you can have a wider cam selection. They even make them ready for .550" if you have the clearance.
I am in no way telling you 113 heads suck, there is a member on this board with VERY respectable times and power with those heads and a 305. They would actually be my 2nd choice for a budget 305 build.
Thanks for the info man. You just said exactly what I was thinking. If you haven't already saw it, this is a great article about the vortec heads on a TPI engine.
http://www.camaroperformers.com/cama...l/viewall.html
It is just my belief (with solid fact backing this) that the high velocity nature of long runners (that aren't that big either), and nice low end torque needs a head that encourages these attributes.
Just make sure you get the ones already machined for .520" lift so you can have a wider cam selection. They even make them ready for .550" if you have the clearance.
07-10-2013, 07:23 AM
#16
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Re: 305 Cam Selection
I have a new SDPC Vortec intake ordered and am negotiating on a set of heads that have been redone. I was looking at a Comp Computer Controlled Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller, Duration 262/264, Lift .450/.480 with headers to a stock replacement exhaust. This is wifes car and needs to stay mild enough for her, should I rethink cam?
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