SBC 305 upgrade
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Joined: May 2013
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Car: Camaro IROC-Z 1085
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5
SBC 305 upgrade
Hi, first post,
I recently purchased a 1985 IROC-Z equipped with a 305 and manual t-5 transmission.
Some work has been done on the engine (intake manifold, headers and, carb, maybe more) and the body (chassis hardening bar, lowered suspention and drilled discs brakes on all wheels). I changed the radiator for a 3 core and added two electrical fans. Cylinders head are stock.
So I want to upgrade the engine. I know relatively little about overhaul, so feel free to tell me if I say something idiotic, I'm still learning
I want to change the cam and heads. I was considering Edelborck's 64 cc i 170 e 70 (http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/60979/10002/-1).
With the following cam"Edelbrock .539 lift 234/238 duration @ 0.5 (http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/2201/10002/-1).
All that would be coupled with the appropriate intake manifold and roller lifters.
So, what do you guys think of that combination? If I'm not mistaken, I would not have any problem fitting that into a otherwise stock 305.
I recently purchased a 1985 IROC-Z equipped with a 305 and manual t-5 transmission.
Some work has been done on the engine (intake manifold, headers and, carb, maybe more) and the body (chassis hardening bar, lowered suspention and drilled discs brakes on all wheels). I changed the radiator for a 3 core and added two electrical fans. Cylinders head are stock.
So I want to upgrade the engine. I know relatively little about overhaul, so feel free to tell me if I say something idiotic, I'm still learning

I want to change the cam and heads. I was considering Edelborck's 64 cc i 170 e 70 (http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/60979/10002/-1).
With the following cam"Edelbrock .539 lift 234/238 duration @ 0.5 (http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/2201/10002/-1).
All that would be coupled with the appropriate intake manifold and roller lifters.
So, what do you guys think of that combination? If I'm not mistaken, I would not have any problem fitting that into a otherwise stock 305.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4
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Car: Camaro IROC-Z 1085
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5
Re: SBC 305 upgrade
Actually, I just noticed that I might have a problem with this cam. The heads are designed to be used with a 4inch bore. Since the 305 is a smaller bore, I can't have more than .450 lift.
Do you guys know any camshaft designed for roller lifter with less than .450 lift? Otherwise I can always go with flat tappet...
Do you guys know any camshaft designed for roller lifter with less than .450 lift? Otherwise I can always go with flat tappet...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4
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Car: Camaro IROC-Z 1085
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5
Re: SBC 305 upgrade
Ok, so after a lot of research, I think Trick Flow heads would be best in order to keep compression up (they come with 56 cc chambers).
This would allow me to use a procomp Xtrem energy hydrolic cam ( 270/276 duration @ .495/.502 lift). I would also use procomp roller rockers arms 1.6:1.
Any thoughts?
This would allow me to use a procomp Xtrem energy hydrolic cam ( 270/276 duration @ .495/.502 lift). I would also use procomp roller rockers arms 1.6:1.
Any thoughts?
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From: Pennsylvania
Car: '91 Camaro RS
Engine: Carb'd 383
Transmission: Built T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Posi
Re: SBC 305 upgrade
What size are the valves on those heads? I believe the standard 2.02/1.60 are too big for a 305. Also if youre using a roller cam you'll need retrofit lifters which are about $300, plus you'll need a RETROFIT roler cam, not just a regular roller cam.. Honestly you'd be better off just getting a flat tappet cam and a good set of lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms. Just moeny wise a retrofit setup isn't worth it for a 305.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 714
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From: Pennsylvania
Car: '91 Camaro RS
Engine: Carb'd 383
Transmission: Built T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Posi
Re: SBC 305 upgrade
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ed...make/chevrolet
What about this? It has everything you need (bolts, lifters, gaskets, etc.) and is made for 305's. Also this is a great price, a pair of trickflows cost almost as much as this whole kit.
What about this? It has everything you need (bolts, lifters, gaskets, etc.) and is made for 305's. Also this is a great price, a pair of trickflows cost almost as much as this whole kit.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
Car: '91 Camaro RS
Engine: Carb'd 383
Transmission: Built T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Posi
Re: SBC 305 upgrade
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ed...make/chevrolet
Or this one might be better because of valve clearance.
Or this one might be better because of valve clearance.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4
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Car: Camaro IROC-Z 1085
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5
Re: SBC 305 upgrade
Thanks or the replys,
The valves size on the setup i'm considering ae 1.94/1.5. And i'm aware of the need for retrofit cam/lifter.
The problem with the setup you proposed is that the combustion chambers are 64cc, which would be very detrimental to the compression ratio of a small bore engine like the 305.
Wether it is money wise or not might be debatable, but inmy case the economic aspect is not a big limitation (not that i'm rich but I would rather take more time to finish the project and be happy with every aspect of it).
The valves size on the setup i'm considering ae 1.94/1.5. And i'm aware of the need for retrofit cam/lifter.
The problem with the setup you proposed is that the combustion chambers are 64cc, which would be very detrimental to the compression ratio of a small bore engine like the 305.
Wether it is money wise or not might be debatable, but inmy case the economic aspect is not a big limitation (not that i'm rich but I would rather take more time to finish the project and be happy with every aspect of it).
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