I am new to the world of engine modding. Soon I will be doing alot of work on my 87WS6TA. My question is this. If I install a better cam such as the Comp Cam XE262, will I need to install different lifters and or different ratio rocker arms? If so what would be the best combination of items to make the most power out of a 305TPI engine? If not how much of an increase can I expect from the cam change alone?

It is my understanding that I have the peanut cam. That pile of crap has to go. I may not keep the 305. Although I am impressed by what some people have done with this engine. I am tempted to fallow in that path as I already have a 305 engine. I may do a little work on the 305 anyway to tide me over until I can build up an awesome 350 or 383 stroker for the car. Any information would be usefull. Thanks.

 

Generally, since you have a roller cam, you don't have to replace the lifters. It would be a good idea for performance to replace teh stock rockers as they're ratio varies.

 

Thanks alot for the information. Not having to replace the lifters will make things easier.

 

Just make sure you realize you have a roller cam, which is not really what is considered the peanut cam. Since you have an 87 with a TPI that should be the LB9 motor. Comp cams makes extreme energy cams in the roller versions and have some that are computer friendly. If you go to their website you can dig them up. The bad thing is the cam alone cost more that a flat tappet cam and lifter package. And you will probably want to go with new springs.

If you plan on digging into the motor much, the heads and TPI intake could use some work. People on this board have had good success porting the 305s heads and there is also a tech article on siameasing the intake. Around where I live it is easy to get discouraged about the 305 with the way machine shops view them. But if you do some searches on this board or with google you will find some pretty impressive 305s.