Hey guys, I've been lurking around for quite some time but this is my first post.

I'm puzzled on the cam i should be getting. I plan on purchasing the edelbrock performer manifold and was wondering what cam i should get to match it for low and mid-range power. Heads and bottom end are stock for now. I want one best for performance, and I dont mind a rough idle. 305 TBI by the way. Im honestly stumped on what to get, there are just too many choices...any suggestions?

Thanks for all your help

 

Something with 200-210 degrees of duration @ 0.05" (on the intake) and a lobe center angle of around 112 degrees will be the most "computer friendly". Stay under 0.47" lift with your stock heads or you'll probably run into clearance problems.

If you go with more cam than this you'll need better heads and a lot of computer tuning ...and you'll get into less low and mid range torque and more higher rpm hp.

Comp Cams XR258HR would be a good choice.

 

that has a .48 lift is that alright?

 

You're right, the lift is too high ...sorry 'bout that, it's good you were paying attention. I'm not used to thinking in terms of the ~0.47 limit.

 

How bout this one:
PowerMax Hydraulic Roller Tappet Camshaft Only
Lift: .438''/.452''
Duration: 264°/270°
RPM Range: 1600-5200
Grind Number:2031 Operating Range:1600-5200 RPM
Duration Advertised: 264° Intake / 270° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'' Lift:208° Intake / 214° Exhaust
Valve Lift w/1.5 Rockers:.438'' Intake / .452''
Exhaust Lobe Separation Angle:112°
Max Lift Angle:107° ATDC Intake / 117° BTDC Exhaust
Open/Close @.050'' Cam Lift:Intake - (3°) ATDC (opens) / 31° ABDC (closes)
Exhaust - 44° BBDC (opens) / (10°) BTDC (closes)

 

If you haven't found it in your searches yet, keep in mind pretty much any cam swap is going to be REQUIRE chip tuning. It might run but you won't make much more power than stock untill you do.

 

That looks like a nice cam for a 305 with stock heads, but as BMmonteSS said, you will need some chip tuning to get the benefit from it.

All in all, that cam should be strong from idle up to over 5000 rpm on a 305 (until your stock heads start limiting power at over 4000 rpm). It shouldn't screw your computer up too badly and it should be fine with your heads, as far as clearances are considered.

You'll probably get 20 hp from it, perhaps 30 if you've got headers and exhaust as well (double that with better flowing heads).