I just bought a complete 85 TPI setup and some 416 ( I believe these are 305 HO heads) castings for dirt cheap. I'm planning to port and polish the heads, and I need to do some more research on the 85 TPI setup before I decide whether to sell it at a profit, or keep it. If I decide to keep it, I'll probably end up doing some more porting. If I sell it, I'll more than likely get a newer tpi setup.

I believe the 85 Iroc came with a stock cam that was respectable. I don't remember the exact specs, but I believe the duration on the intake side was around 202 degrees at .050. Would it be possible to use that cam on a roller block?

Keep in mind that I am broke at the moment, and I could probably get the cam and lifters from the owner for $15 at the most.

I can't spare the $100 for a new cam at the moment, and I would rather grab that cam and install it while I have my motor apart.

If it is physically possible to use it (not sure if it is), would it be worth the time and effort?

 

wait a tick.... the 305 in question is your old TBI engine correct? If so, unless you elongated the proper holes, the intake will not fit bolt up. Assuming that you do have the holes all done up, then the best cam you could get for your block would not be the 85 cam cause that is a flat tappet cam, when you have a roller block. The best cam would probably be a late 90's L98 cam for the money you wana spend. Thoes are cheap, cause there are plenty of late model third gen 350's with new cams. Id look into it. Also, it might be to late, and you might not want to, but finding a good set of L98 vette heads would be a good idea, but the HO heads are good for now.

 

now wait another tick...

416's are pre86 heads, he has an 85 TPI setup. it should all bolt up just fine.

get a nice roller cam for it, ditch the peanut cam. the L98 would be alright and is cheap, if you have some more money to spend, you should look aftermarket.