Looking for a super cheap way to get out from under my 200k mile old LO5. I'm looking for a slightly better fuel economy, and a little more power to boot...

Does anyone besides myself see logic in using a junkyard L30 (vortec 305) with a slightly more aggressive cam, and GMPP's TBI Intake? Oh yeah, it has to pass emissions as well, and it's going into a vehicle with a 2.73 rear axle. Anyone want to recommend a good cam (Think short valve timing - would like to see 20+MPG highway in a big box)... and eek, dare I even say, take a stab at some power numbers?

Tell me what you think guys.

 

The Production LT4 cam in a Vortec 305 will run great. I had one in my Express for about 2 years prior to building the 350 Vortec that is in it now.

 

How would you expect the projected fuel economy to be with that cam, and how "Tuning Newbie" friendly is it? I would expect it to be fairly agressive (googling as we speak).

And how is your vortec headed 310 build going?

Oh, this is kind a dumb last question, but do 96+ Vortecs use air injection in case I wanted to use a header (for the EGR port) from that series of motors?

Edit in: Just googled that cam. Will the stock vortecs servive a 476/480 Lift!?!?

 

That is lift including the 1.6:1 rocker used on the LT4. The actual lift with 1.5:1 rockers is .446/.450, which is well within reach of the Vortecs.

The cam is very ECM friendly, even for a novice tuner.

The Vortec headed 310 is running awesome, has great power and getting good mileage.

Some of the vortecs have AIR some don't.