Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Which cam would be best for my car? Need opinions please

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 3, 2002 | 07:50 PM
  #1  
84L69TA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, AZ
Car: 4 Mopars total
Engine: Pentastar power
Transmission: T/F and New Process
Axle/Gears: Three 8 3/4's & one 9 1/4
Which cam would be best for my car? Need opinions please

I have an 83 T/A with an LG4 with 80,000 original miles on it. I went from mid-17's stock, to 15.11@90mph with 3.73 gears, "G" hanger, "DR" rods, headers, and 3" all the way back into a SLP catback. The rest is bone stock. I had an XE262 Comp Cam in there a while ago, and it ran like crap. Do I need a "compucam" with a CC carb, or is that for TBI and TPI only? I need to retain all my emissions equipment and computer and such. I heard nice things about the XE256 as being a good cam for a wee-05. My goal is to maybe run in the 14.5-14.7 range. Is this possible with a cam swap? Either way, I need to get this cam outta here. NEEDS MORE POWER!!! Anyway, PLEASE tell me what you guys think. I want to choose one this week so I can put it in next weekend. Thanks in advance guys and gals. Later.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2002 | 08:34 PM
  #2  
Mark A Shields's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,164
Likes: 1
From: Someone owes me 10,000 posts
Car: 99 Formula
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 342
With those gears, I would get the Comp XE268, that's what I'm getting cause of the gears. However, I think I remember reading they're not for CC cars. could be wrong though.
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 12:52 AM
  #3  
84L69TA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, AZ
Car: 4 Mopars total
Engine: Pentastar power
Transmission: T/F and New Process
Axle/Gears: Three 8 3/4's & one 9 1/4
Wow. Dont get me wrong, i really dont know....but isnt that kind of a big cam for a stock wee-05? I used to have that XE262 in there and it wouldnt idle at all. I did sell that cam. Like I said, I heard the XE256 was a good choice. Any 305 owners out there want to share their experiences with their cams? Hopefully I can figure this out. Thanks again.
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 01:11 AM
  #4  
Bort62's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 0
...

Ive got a 262, and it has gotten me to 98.6 mph in the 1/4 in my stock 305.

to big like a fox.

Last edited by Bort62; Feb 4, 2002 at 01:14 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 01:13 AM
  #5  
Sitting Bull's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,238
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Alberta, Republic of Western Canada
Car: 1986 Sport Coupé
Engine: 305-4v
Transmission: 700R4 and TransGo2
Originally posted by 1989t-topGTA
Wow. Dont get me wrong, i really dont know....but isnt that kind of a big cam for a stock wee-05? I used to have that XE262 in there and it wouldnt idle at all. I did sell that cam. Like I said, I heard the XE256 was a good choice. Any 305 owners out there want to share their experiences with their cams? Hopefully I can figure this out. Thanks again.
Well, I just talked to the Comp Cams guys this week, via their 1-800 number, and they said nothing bigger than the XE256 for a 305 with an automatic. They said I would have trouble with my power brakes, etc., if I went to the XE262.

I modeled them both under DesktopDyno2000 and there is really only about a 5 hp difference between the two. Driveability is key for me too, so I'll go with the XE256 when the time comes

But mine is a Canadian Camaro and there isn't a speck of polution gear on this engine, not even a catylitic converter, and no computer either

Last edited by Sitting Bull; Feb 4, 2002 at 01:19 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 08:17 AM
  #6  
84L69TA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, AZ
Car: 4 Mopars total
Engine: Pentastar power
Transmission: T/F and New Process
Axle/Gears: Three 8 3/4's & one 9 1/4
OK, as long as the XE256 will work with all my stock computer stuff and the CC carb, I think I'll go with that one. Im not looking to build a high RPM screamer, just something in say the 1000-5200 range. Now I just have to order it. Thanks for all the input. I know my fair share, but when it comes to computer controlled cars...i'm lost. Thanks again
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 02:48 PM
  #7  
five7kid's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I'm running the Crane Compucam 2050 - .454/.480, 216/228 @.050, 112 LSA. Flat tappet, idles smoothly, pulls to 6k. No SES light or code set to date (over 2 months, 1600 miles).

But, notice what else is in the sig. The heads, exhaust, and converter make a world of difference (no pun intended). Plus, the '86 LG4 has 9.5:1 CR and knock sensor. I'm sure those all add up to a big advantage.

You might not want to go with that big of a cam, though. Crane also makes 2020, 2030, 2040 cams with less lift and duration. With stock heads, any of those would probably be adequate. You might want to consider a valve spring swap.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2002 | 08:32 AM
  #8  
84L69TA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, AZ
Car: 4 Mopars total
Engine: Pentastar power
Transmission: T/F and New Process
Axle/Gears: Three 8 3/4's & one 9 1/4
I gotta figure this out. BTW, I already have the exhaust done. The headers and the 3" all the way out. If that dropped me 8 1/2 tenths, im wondering what a cam swap would do...any ideas????
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2002 | 01:59 PM
  #9  
Sparkee's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
The LG4 has a stock CR of only 8.6:1. The L69 305HO had 9.5:1 stock. The World Products heads should keep the CR about the same as stock, unless you milled them down or replaced the pistons. They are good heads and are worth the money if you plan on keeping the 305. Plus the are emissions legal.

Have you considered just replacing the stock 1.5:1 rocker arms with 1.6:1 roller rockers? The 1.6's will give you more lift, just like a bigger cam, plus they are easier to install. I currently have the L69 305HO in my 87 Monte Carlo SS, with all computer controls intact. My cam has about the same specs as the XE256, and I have had no problems with the computer. I haven't run it at the track yet, but I can tell you that you will notice the difference! My 305HO is stock with the exception of the cam and a K&N air filter. I am currently making a dual snorkel air cleaner for it to get more air to the engine. GM discontinued the parts I need, so I am fabricating them.

Have you done anything else to the carb other than rods and hangars? There are 2 other easy mods for the Quadrajets. First is the AV spring adjustment, second is the AV stop. The spring controls when the secondaries open. The stop prevents the AV from opening completely and restricts air flow thru the secondaries. If you need more help with the computer controls, let me know. I know how to make them work without causing problems. Have a good one.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2002 | 05:30 PM
  #10  
Pony Killer's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 726
Likes: 1
From: Atco, NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: th400
if it's gotta stay legal, try the Comp Dual Energy DEH 265 cam
it's specs are..
grind # 265 DEH

adv. duration 265/269
Dur @ .o50 211/221
Lift w 1.5's .442/.463
Lobe sep 110
Intake centerlins 106
50 state legal.
it's a bit gentler than the 256 on emmisions and should give near the same power. and sniffer friendly

should put you where you want to be.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2002 | 07:53 PM
  #11  
jrr's Avatar
jrr
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Macon, Georgia
Before you change your cam...

Try replacing your CC-controlled carb and ignition for a normal Q-Jet and non-CC HEI distributor. Desmog that motor by removing the AIR plumbing and EGR. Make it look like something out of a 1972 Camaro. Try to get a Q-Jet that is stamped 704xxxx or 702xxxx. Get the motor to a simpler condition, THEN do the cam swap. Hey, it worked for me!
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2002 | 09:26 AM
  #12  
Sparkee's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
He says he has to stay legal. Pulling all the computer stuff is illegal as heck, and will fail an inspection in a heart beat!! The computer stuff isn't that bad as long as its working correctly. You might get a couple horsepower, but you may lose some driveability. That computer stuff is there so the car will run good in different weather conditions, different altitudes, etc. The CCC carb isn't that different from a manual Q-jet. Only a throttle position sensor to tell the computer how far you are pushing the go pedal, and an mixture solenoid to adjust the mixture when running rich or lean. Once its tuned your done and leave it alone. When you floor it the computer ignores the 02 sensor and bypasses most of the emissions stuff anyway. CC cars are misunderstood and can perform just as well as non-CC cars.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2002 | 09:17 PM
  #13  
jrr's Avatar
jrr
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Macon, Georgia
Sparkee, you are correct. I was having one of my Luddite fits of, "Screw computers!" that day. I haven't been around thirdgen.org in a while because I ditched the old 1985 high-skool cruiser for a cherry 1972 Camaro!

As for the cam, just don't stray too far from stock. The LG4 heads don't breath and the computer obviously didn't tolerate the 260H cam. I'm trying to think of the cam number that came with GM's first crate motor, the Target Master 350, back in the early 80's. I think the last three numbers were .....929. It was a standard stock grind for pre-emission 350's and would be an improvement for the LG4. Car Craft did the article and if I can find it, I'll post the cam GM put in it.

Yeah, I'm no longer a thirdgen but I still check in!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
midge54
LTX and LSX
21
Dec 27, 2019 04:14 PM
camaro71633
Tech / General Engine
39
Sep 1, 2015 10:24 AM
1992 Trans Am
Suspension and Chassis
1
Aug 9, 2015 04:32 PM
Fronzizzle
Electronics
2
Aug 9, 2015 01:15 PM
anesthes
Tech / General Engine
5
Aug 8, 2015 09:37 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:43 PM.