Hey guys, I'm considering this cam/lifter set for my 78 350. http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2549&gid=312

Anyway, what is the max lift for a 083 cast iron head? From what I've read it's about .480".. Now, in what way can I get more clearance for a bigger cam? It's a street car, and I'll rarely get it over 4000 RPM, if ever.

 

If you rarely get over 4000 why do you want that any more lift? With an "under 4000" engine, .480 lift cams that give excellent power should be available. You can machine the tops of the guides a little. Use different valve spring retainers. Or go with longer valves, longer springs, new retainers and pushrods, which seems like a total waste at that RPM range. Also, why are you buying a "Retrofit" roller cam? You car should be roller equipped. I would choose a grind with .035 less lift to sidestep any problems with retainer/guide issues. Comp cams 264-HR12 or similar cam would seem to fill the bill. .480 lift, 1000-5200 RPM for use with 305/350 with TPI and modified computer or 262-HR12 for stock 305TPI stock computer. I am not really high on Comp cams, but their numbers seem to be about right for you application. Maybe Lunati has something similar? The GM LT1 cam swap that is discussed at length elsewhere on this site might be a possibility as well AND Save you a TON of cash! I am running an L31 camshaft with 1.6 roller rockers on my TPI equipped 305. This cam is almost identical to the 85-86 305 TPI or 305 HO camshaft, with Roller lifters and a little more lift. My goal was Excellent street performance, reliability and drivability. I also went with the original 305 so I could keep the car "numbers matching".

 

Well, I mostly want to use that one, because it's a retrofit roller.. Flat tappet break ins SUCK

 

You are right about the flat tappet break in! However, your car should have a roller camshaft already installed from GM. I am pretty sure that most car SBC engines after about 86 or 87 all had factory roller cams. Unless yours is not the original engine. My 85 305 was flat tappet and now is converted to roller cam for that very reason! Like I said, you should already have roller lifters, so why not choose a cam to a little less lift and skip the valve spring retainer crap. LT1 cam works really well in many stock TPI engines for a little more lift and duration w/o screwing with the computer too much.

 

I'm running a 78 350 block, flat tappet nightmare...