Well my timing chain is loosening up and I figured now would be a good time as any to put a cam in my 305, the only question I have is what is the biggest size lift/duration cam that will work with the stock chip/fuel system. I was considering going with around 480 lift flat tappet(86 non-roller) cam, something with a good rought sounding idle and range from about 1500 to 5500 and work well with the TPI system any suggestions ? Thanks

 

My friend has had GREAT results with the smaller of the SLP cams in his LB9.

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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission with 2.77:1 Rear End

Current Mods: Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip with 160* Thermostat, Accel Ignition Components, K&N Filters, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.

Best ET : 14.32 @ 97.7mph
(corrected for elevation)

 

Well I was looking for something like a comp or cran cam, the $389 SLP cam is a little too much for me, plus I'd have to spend another $250 bucks for some aftermarket roller lifters. Do you know of any else that makes a good cam for the TPI system? I've noticed that most of the cams advertised for the TPI have modest duration...

 

This cam wouldnt need a custom chip:

Comp cams XM256H-12 GROSS VALVE LIFT .447/.462 DURATION AT .050 212/218 LOBE SEPARATION 112.
If you went up to the next one, XM 262H-12, which is .462/.477 218/224 LSA 112 you might be pushing your luck of running without a chip on a 305, its borderline and would definitely be hindered with the stock chip.

You could get the first cam, and use 1.6 rockers and have .477/.493 lift. You will find that the max lift numbers and durations on flat tappet cams are usually close to the same. The reason you dont see high lift numbers with low durations on flat tappet cams is due to the limitations of the flat tappet and the lobe profile that they have to use.

 

Well I went to a local perfomance shop and talked to one of the guys there about it. I decided to go with the Comp Hi-Energy 12-210-2 it has 218/218 duration at .050 and modest lift numbers 450/454 with a 110 lobe seperation (mostly because he had it in stock). I know it will make a big difference than the 86 peanut cam in there now. When I make some more modifications I will consider putting a bigger roller cam, but probably here in a couple of weeks I'll get some 1.6 rockers so that will increase the lift and leave the duration the same, correct?

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86 TPI 305 Iroc-Z
Accel HEI Super Coil
Flowmaster
K&N Filters

 

My friend got his SLP cam from auction at Ebay for $100.

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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission with 2.77:1 Rear End

Current Mods: Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip with 160* Thermostat, Accel Ignition Components, K&N Filters, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.

Best ET : 14.32 @ 97.7mph
(corrected for elevation)

 

i have the SUMMIT CAM KIT(204 214/ 420 442)and many other mods, NOT A STALL CONVERTER, and i run mid 14's in the 1/4 ml.ITS A 86 305 TPI WITH A MODDED 700R4

most places, like Summit, say that any cam with a duration over 205* you should use a stall conveter, i dont have one but i can tell that it is holding me back,
with you haveing a 218* duration you seriously might want to consider getting one(1500-2000 stall. thats and additional $225 not including labor if you dont do it yourself.
GOOD LUCK