Got an engine swap planned, and I'm trying to decide on cams.

It's gonna be ~9.8:1 SCR Vortec-headed 350 that's .060 over... I figure an xe268 wouldn't be a bad street cam for that.

But what Im worried about is what kind of gearing I'm going to need. What would you guys suggest? And can I make the 2.73's I have work until I getsomething better or am I going to hate life with them?

I'm more concerned about making it a good street car than 1/4 mile ET's.

A new stall and new rear are on the "To Get" list, but so is half the motor and the exhaust... The motor and exaust gets priority for now.

 

If the engine is out, a slightly higher stall would really wake it up. With the 2.73s you will get better mileage. Gears are a lot harder of a mod and more expensive than a converter. The 268 is close enough to stock that it will work with a stock converter if you're close on cash and have plenty of time.

 

Yea, you can drive the 2.73s, but it'll just be sluggish on takeoff (with stock stall).
The 350 will probably be just slightly better on takeoff then your 305 now, until you get a bigger stall and taller gears - so it's not going to be WORSE than where you are now.

A swap to 3.23's would work pretty well, or 3.42s. I'm assuming you don't have a posi now. So a 3 series posi and gears will set you back ~$600 or more, plus parts to install, and tools if you're doing it yourself. Budget $800 or so.
The cheaper route is to get a thick gearset and leave it as an open rear - which is kinda annoying, but only $300 or so when the smoke clears.

 

Thanks guys!