I just got a 1988 GTA and I want to replace the 305 with a basic 350 that has a nice cam lope to it. I am not concerned how fast it is. I just want the car to sound real good. What all would I need to do this and how much do you guys think I can get it done for?

I want it to sound like this: http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...5500a00cf4.htm

From what I read I need to upgrade these along with the engine:

1) Injectors
2) Knock Sensor
3) ESC Module
4) PROM

Anything else you guys can think of?

Does anyone know a good tuner in the atlanta area?

 

Are you planning on running the stock computer? That will make all the difference in deciding on what to go with. The comp cam 08-501-8 is a great cam for TPI motors, and your stock MAF computer will not have much of a difficulty running with it, although it will need a bit of a tune and some head and exhaust work to gain the most out of the new cam. You should get about 35 to 40 hp over stock with that cam if your heads are properly setup.

 

Yes I plan on keeping it as stock as possible. I really just want a nice lope.

 

comp cam 08-501-1 should do

 

If you liked the way that sounded, why not use the cam he used?

Personally, that sounds like annoying compromise to me (hard to drive, poor economy, not sure how it sniffs if that's an issue). But, if that's what you're after and you don't care about the rest, go for it.

Your list is the basics for 305 to 350. I don't see any issues there. I'd add base & runners since you're going 350, but I suppose that's up to you.

The best tuner in the Atlanta area would be you, after you get the PROM burning equipment and read up on the DIY PROM forum.

 

Well thats the thing. I want everything running in harmony. If a cam that big requires a certian size heads and motor to be effeicent then thats what I need.

What is needed to run a XFI268 smoothly? Do I need a nasty 383 to run a cam like that?

I don't want the car to be slower or drive worse then it does stock. I just want the awesome cam lope.

 

Do you have a 350 identified? About 90% of factory 350 heads were performance junk. The good news is there are plenty of great aftermarket (and some factory) choices available. The biggest mistake people make is thinking bigger is automatically better.

The larger the engine displacement, the tamer the cam will act. A particular cam that is relatively tame in a 383 could be pretty nasty in 283 - of course, the 383 is still going to have a lot more power.

The easiest way to get the lope would be to keep the 305 and put the XFI268 in it. It will make a significant difference in power if you do the base/runners as well. '88 is MAF, you don't really need PROM tuning for it to run. '90-92 speed density is a different story - a cam change will drive it bonkers, to say nothing of what 305 -> 350 will do to its brain.

 

Thanks for all your help btw..

For the 350 I was thinking one of these:
http://www.jegs.com/p/GM+Performance...10002/-1/10763
http://www.jegs.com/p/GM+Performance...10002/-1/10763

I would like to go a bit cheaper but it doesn't look like there are many options for what I can see.

You say I can keep the 305 and use that cam, but will I lose all my low end? Will it still retain stock like drivability? Even without a proper tune?

 

That cam is a mid size cam. It has a mild lope. If you have an auto you'll need a new torque converter. It would be a good street/strip cam.

 

The "performance junk" previously mentioned.

Vortec heads. Require the Edelbrock/SD Vortec TPI base. Might as well get the SD Vortec TPI crate engine.

 

I have a 5 speed.

That vortec motor your talking about is 4.1k that seems very steap for 360 hp. What setup would you recommend for staying around 3k max?

 

The xfi-268 cam is a good cam, I had no ill effects of drivability with that cam, and it just likes a little less timing at lower RPMS in the tune. I could lug it in 6th gear at 1200 RPM.