I want to swap the Cam in my car.... at least i think I do. I've been reading and hearing a lot about it but I'm still uneasy about it. I'd like to get a few tips on what to look for when shopping around. Also, what have people put in their engines? I'm running a stock 305 TBI V8 5.0L, nothing special but I'm thinking that a better Cam will bring up the power, is this true. Let me know what you all think.

 

The cam selection all depends on the other specs of the car. Rear gear ratio, tranny, stall of the convertor (if auto), intended use of the car (daily driver, hot street, street/strip, etc.), idle quality is an issue as well, do you want a nice smooth stock like idle, or a bit of a lope to it? You'll also basically need to replace the valvetrain while you're at it, new springs, retainers, locks, screw in studs (or pin the studs if the cam is over .470 or so), and I would reccomend a good set of comp cams roller tip magnum rockers. You'll have to pull the motor to do the cam swap unless you want to pull the whole front end off (which isn't easy).

There's a lot to it, but if you take it one step at a time it's easy, even if you're not that familiar with small blocks.

Oh, to answer your last question, yes it will give you more power. The stock cam is very small, a bigger one could gain 30hp or so. Even more could be attained if it weren't for the boat anchors they call heads on that TBI motor...

 

One of the cams that people get good results with for cheap is the stock F-body or the Y-body LT1 cam. Don't buy a B-body one, it's not much better than what you've got.

You can get them on ebay and whatnot for $50 or less. I wouldn't buy a new one though. But for $50 or so, it's a good deal.

 

I am currently installing a LT1 cam out of a 96 SS impalla. It is a tiny bit smaller than the f-body/vette cam but plenty for my 305. I have never done a cam swap and I am about to start the car tommorow for the first time. A properly tuned LT1 cam in a 305 TBI goes a long way and feels very good. You do have to take a lot off of the front of the motor but it isn't really that bad. It is pretty easy and straight forward once you get everything off. I was supprised how easily the cam came out once the radiator and AC condensor and water pump were out of the way. I did not drop my oil pan and i did not have to remove any of the bracing for the radiator. However, it does take time if this is your first time. I am up to about 5 days (6 to 7 hours a day) to get mine done. I am going very slow though and have done other things while I am at it that are not necessary with a cam swap. I could easily cut the install time down by half the next time I do a swap.

 

I just swapped a cam about 2 weeks ago. XE268, although it went in a 350. very easy

Also while i had the intake off, i grabbed a can of duplicolor and gave the intake a few coats of black, and then baked it in the over for a good 3 hours. it came out REALLY good.

the aluminum just stuck out like a sore thumb, and it got too dirty too quick. the black looks much better

 

Wow that does look good.

 

ya i agree, taking all the stuff off the front of the motor doesnt take too long and the radiator , etc.. worth it to change the cam, id rather not pull the motor..