I'm always seeing these 305TPI cars in 87ish that have 5 speeds and like *25* hp more than the automatics.

Makes me jealous it does. AFAIK, it is due to a smaller cam in the automatics.

That said, I'm looking for a cam.

Any ideas on the most power gain? Comp/Edelbrock/L69?
Also, where can I get one and how much are they?

Also, I've never replaced cams on a V8 before. As such, I'd probably just have a shop do it.

If I were to have a shop install the cam, how much ROUGHLY would I be looking at spending for labor and what else, aside from the cam, would be recommended to change at the same time?

 

Well, I'm personally gonna buy myself the ZZ4 cam, as a lot of people have used it in the 305 with excellent results. It's a somewhat moderate cam, so it won't put too much extra stress on your valvetrain. That being said, however, it's still a pretty good idea to put it new springs/rockers, especially if you're doing other mods. You can get them from pretty much any place that sells GM engine components - i.e. from Scoggin-Dickey (link ).

I really don't think it'd be worth it to have a shop do it - replacing a cam isn't too terribly difficult. If you don't have much experience working with engines or anything, read up on it, and if ya have any questions we'll be happy to answer 'em...

If you want to see a major performance upgrade, you may want to think about looking into a new intake/tuned runners and/or a new set of heads, or maybe just getting your current ones ported. Good luck with whatever you choose .

 

I am going to run the ZZ4 in my 305 with ported heads and intake and plenum, but will retain my runners.. also i am gunna go with pro mag roller rockers at 1.52 ratio.. Look into the heads flowing around what the SR 305 flows and you should be set. You are gunna need new springs for sure and make sure your pushrods and lifters are all up to spec... dont want to be go back to open that engine back up after a bent pushrod. anyway, good luck. I should start to post my build up soon. be on the lookout!