I have a stock '85 305 and I'm wondering what the highest lift cam I can use is, and not smash the valves into the pistons. Any recommended cams? I'm considering Lunati 60103.

 

Which 305 do you have?

 

LG4

 

Are you serious? That would be a dramatic mismatch. That cam would require long-slot rockers, new valvesprings, a better intake manifold, at least 9.5:1 and a full exhaust system. Then at least a 2400 stall, and at least a 3.73:1 rear gear. Their description is for use in a 350. a 305 changes things. Around town, and anytime you weren't at WOT above 2500 rpm, you'd hate it. It would give you a nice-sounding idle.
If idle sound is important to you, try COMP's Dual Energy 265. It sounds serious in a 305, and feels strong from 1500 to 5500. But not with stock intake and exhaust. They'll limit your power at 5000 rpm.
If feeling like a 350, and surprising people, is your thing, try something like Lunati's smallest VOODOO cam. It's a better match to the whole LG4, especially if you have the 2.73:1 axle ratio.

 

I do plan on a whole new top end, without heads. So far I have a weiand stealth and a holley 4175, and plan to get roller rockers, and yes, new valve springs and a 2500 stall. I am looking to get a cam that will build power on my 305, and one that I can use later on a 350. I'm not getting a cam for the sound, but for the power. And, isn't the LG4's CR 9.5:1?

Sorry, I should have explained a bit more in my original question. I just meant a cam that would clear my stock pistons.

 

Something like an XE256 is about all you'll be able to manage, maybe an XE262.

 

If it matters, I don't need a computer controlled compatible cam

 

Could you give me part #'s, lots of cams from comp cams seem to have those grind #'s.

 

Only one that'll fit your engine, look for that one.

 

Thanks, guess i just needed to click on the right one... i should probably start a new thread for this, but what ratio rocker arms should go with that?

 

1.5

 

the LG4 is VIN code H. It is 8.6:1.
Next, if you want to transfer the cam, you'll have to get a new set of lifters for the 350. Flat lifters, whether hydraulic or mechanical must always stay with the lifter bores they started in, with the cam they were broken in with.
At this point, if you don't already have a 350 block, 3 questions, 1) why a 350 (2) how much do you expect to pay for the block (3) what about a virgin 400. I know a machine shop that has a half dozen of them for like $150 each, never been overbored. For the same outlay, you could pick up a factory roller cam 350 block, with 4-bolt mains, and have so much more lift for any given duration. You can find good used ZZ4 roller cams for well under the price of a set of new lifters for this cam you asked about. With good heads that cam can get you 400 HP at 5800 rpm.
Yes, the wild cams cost the same as the mild ones.
those 305 heads should come off, get 1.94" intake valves, a 3 angle valve job, a 75 degree bowl hog, and resurfaced. Use steelshim head gaskets about 0.015" thick and you could reach 9:1 and 300 HP with the COMP DualEnergy 265 cam.

 

a 350 because I already have hypereutectic 11:1 pistons (new, and free), I can get a 350 block for very cheap, and vortec heads are really cheap (a new pair from Napa, with employee discount, is under $400). My 305 has 178,xxx miles on it, so I plan on doing the swap soon, within 10,000 miles. (I usually put 2,500 miles a month on it). I am on a small budget, so I'm looking to use as many interchangeable parts as possible. I am considering a roller block, because I already have lightly used, they might be unused, roller lifters. Let me know if you have a 4-bolt factory roller block to sell, assuming its never been overbored.

 

If it's an '85 as indicated in his user information, it's 9.5:1 CR.

 

Yes, it is my '85 i'm talking about.

 

you can't always believe the books. I'm an automotive machinist. I've disassembled plenty. It is 8.6:1. Pull the heads and you'll find dished pistons. The 9.5:1 305s had flat-tops.
Anyway, vortec heads typically cc at 61-62 cc, not the specified 64, so you'd be trying to run 11.3:1 on pump gas. You could probably get enough for them to get a set of H345CP Speed Pro flattops, under $100/set, that'd put you closer to 10.3:1, or H423s that'd get a reasonable 9.7:1. That would work on pump gas. Then you wouldn't be limited to a standard 4" bore, either.
But it's your build, so I can't feel hurt if my input doesn't help. Peace.

 

the pistons I have are .030 over pistons. I just want to have the boring done myself an a block. I want to build a motor with a 350 crank, so I can turn more rpms. Maybe even a 302 crank. I'd like to have the highest CR i can run on pump gas. By the way, what state are those 400 blocks in?