OK, I was gonna wait and do heads and a cam at the same time, but I'm very impatient. So I'm gonna get a cam in the next couple of weeks. Which one should I get for my set up? Eventually I want to get a decent set of heads or just port the **** out of mine. Also, what else will I need for the cam swap to be effective? carb? intake?

 

If you plan to keep the 305, why not just follow Sitting Bull's tech article to port them, they will flow plenty for that motor.
comp 256 or 262xe seem to be very popular for 305s.

 

I've decided on the XE262 cam. Should I buy just the cam or the cam kit from jegs?

 

cam kit..

 

ok thanks, ill order it tomorrow right after work

 

What is your rear gear ratio? This is VERY important!

If it is 2.73 and you are not going to go to 3.42 or so, then a XE262 is not going to make you happy at all

You'll lose too much low rpm power to make driving it any fun.

Also, if you have a 700r4 tranny, you will want to install at least a 2000 rpm torque converter, to make up for your loss of low rpm hp and torque.

If you don't want to do that or, like a lot of us, don't have the ready cash, then go for the Comp XE 256 or even XE 250.

 

Ive got the 5 speed and I believe my gear ratio is 3.23

 

Oh yeah, and what kind of gains should I expect with a cam still using the stock heads?

 

A whole lot less than if you do something about them.

If I was going to all that cam swap trouble, I'd pop the heads off and give them a pocket port job, a valve job, and a new set of PC type (positive) seals to put an end to the start-up puff of smoke.

You should definitely get rid of the stock valve springs and retainers while you're at it too; and if you can, get the stamped sheet metal rockers off of there. The Comp 1412 1.5 roller-tips make an amazing difference even though they're the same nominal ratio: stock ones are hardly ever 1.5, they're very inconsistent, as low as 1.38 and hardly ever over 1.45, usually around 1.42 to 1.43. Just getting all 16 of them to open the same makes a world of difference; and leaving the rubber ones on there will prevent you from getting anywhere near the full benefit of the cam swap, because they'll just bend more if you push them harder.

 

what about the LT1 cam in the 305 TPIs. I hear they work well. and u can pick them up cheap. I would install one into my 305 TPI but I dont have alot of info. Has anyone heard anything about the LT1 cam in a 305 TPI.

Thanks

 

Ryan,

I don't think your 1985 IROC has a roller cam, does it?

 

Im not sure. I think it does.

 

OK, that'll work really well

But follow RB's advice and do a little bit of head work to get the most bang for your buck.

If you want to do a REALLY good job on your heads, just follow the link at the end of my sig. They should be good for at least 25 or 30 hp when done right--and you CAN do this work, it ain't rocket science

 

Ok so my mind has changed once again. I think that im going to lose too much low end with the XE262. SittingBull: What about your Powermax 260? Do you like the cam and how was the install?

 

I'd go at least one step higher than the Crane PowerMax 260, just because you have a standard tranny. But it is an excellent little cam if you decide to go that way. Lots of power from 3500 to 5000 rpm. It just walks away from any other 305

Easy enough to install, just a lot of hours removing and then replacing parts. Count on 10 to 15 hours.

Still, I'd use either the Crane PowerMax 266 or the Comp XE 256 with a standard. You can slip the clutch a little and launch at 2000 rpm to make up for the soggy bottom end when you're "in a hurry"

RB83L69 uses a XE 262 in his 305 standard and he loves it.

 

I don't think any GM engine came from the factory with a roller cam until 1987.

 

Ok i guess I'm back to the XE262. So now i just gotta get this damn thing ordered before I change my mind again. Also, I'm gonna try to do the headwork from your sig.

 

I'm pretty sure that 87 was the first year for the roller cam also.

 

Drop me a line if you need some help. With the heads and cam you should have another 60 hp or so