Adding cam and header to 1986 lg4
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2018
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Adding cam and header to 1986 lg4
I have a 1986 Berlinetta 305, I’m looking to put a set of headers on this winter and putting a xe256 or 262 in also to wake it up a bit. What kind of ccc carb adjustments am I gonna have to do for changing cam and headers? I’m new to the forum and all this computer carb stuff, runs fine as is with open air filter and cat back. I’ve had this car since high school and just recently got it back on the road. Any thoughts or experience would be much appreciated
#2
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Re: Adding cam and header to 1986 lg4
Use the 256, if the only other mods you have done, or are planning to do, are the ones you have listed. It's well and widely known to be a good match to that situation. No "adjustments' necessary other than advancing the timing. (which is necessary ANYWAY even with the stock cam... the factory's settings serve MANY masters, including emissions, gas mileage, emissions, all-altitude function, emissions, compatibility with cat-**** gasoline, emissions, ... and oh by the way, did I forget to mention emissions? that was the factory's BIGGEST priority back in the day, FAR ahead of anything resembling or otherwise related to "performance") Just do it.
The \strongest weaknesses keeping your car slow are the torque converter (1600ish RPM) and the gears (2.73). If you were to put 3.42s and a 2500 or so stall converter in it, a GOOD one not a cheeeeeeeepie, you might be AMAZED at how things other than the engine can cripple a car.
I'd also recommend a dual-snorkel (L69) air cleaner. Probably good for 5 HP easy over an open element.
And, another SURPRISING YUUUUUUUUUUJJJJJJJJJE power sucker: that clutch fan. Put an electric one, and a higher-output alternator, on it. There's another 12 - 15 HP right there.
There ya go: 20 HP without cracking the motor or draining any fluids. What's not to like about THAT?
The \strongest weaknesses keeping your car slow are the torque converter (1600ish RPM) and the gears (2.73). If you were to put 3.42s and a 2500 or so stall converter in it, a GOOD one not a cheeeeeeeepie, you might be AMAZED at how things other than the engine can cripple a car.

I'd also recommend a dual-snorkel (L69) air cleaner. Probably good for 5 HP easy over an open element.
And, another SURPRISING YUUUUUUUUUUJJJJJJJJJE power sucker: that clutch fan. Put an electric one, and a higher-output alternator, on it. There's another 12 - 15 HP right there.
There ya go: 20 HP without cracking the motor or draining any fluids. What's not to like about THAT?
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Perth Western Australia
Posts: 491
Car: 1987 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 4bbl
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Adding cam and header to 1986 lg4
The 256 shouldn't upset the CCC. While you're in there, replace the valve stem seals, valve springs & retainers and a nice new set of standard rockers. You dont have to go with anything particularly special, a set of Z28 ebay springs will be better than the 30+ year old fatigued rubbish thats in there now.
I've got a 268H in my lg4 - non computer controlled and can definitely concur with Sofa that a 2200+ stall converter is a worthwhile investment.
I've got a 268H in my lg4 - non computer controlled and can definitely concur with Sofa that a 2200+ stall converter is a worthwhile investment.
#4
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Join Date: Sep 2018
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Re: Adding cam and header to 1986 lg4
I was just gonna buy the xe256 kit with new springs, retainers, lifters, cam and timing set from summit or somewhere like $315? And it needs the valve stem seals anyways so figured be good to just do the whole thing and get that little factory cam out of there
#5
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: 355 Carbed V8 Patriot Vortec Heads
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Re: Adding cam and header to 1986 lg4
A quick look I found summit the cheapest for the K12-234-2 kit. Also free shipping.
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