I was hoping to get some advice with getting a new camshaft. I am rebuilding a 305 (first engine rebuild please don't give me static for not going with the 350) and I would like to put in a better camshaft. I would like to get one for some more low end torque.

I was thinking some thing with a 220 duration, 110 degree lobe separation ( I got those from reading on the internet). Now I am using the same heads, so I was hoping you guys could give me some suggestions.

Here are a few of my choices

http://www.streetperformance.com/par...702.html#d3702

http://www.streetperformance.com/par...ml#dCL12-230-2

http://www.streetperformance.com/par...85-100032.html

Please let me know what you guys think, or if I am in the wrong ball field let me know. And remember stock heads!!

 

Those are all pretty good choices for low end grunt but all appear to be flat tappets cams. If your engine is an 87 and newer, it will have roller lifters. You can run a flat tappet but you ll need to change the style timing set you have, which is a good idea anyway. IMHO, however, you leave power on the table with a flat tappet cam versus a roller cam of same specs due to reduced friction and the quicker ramp rates of a roller. Just my 2 cents.

 

So the numbers on those cams are good besides the flat tappet part. So would hydraulic roller tappet work??

 

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...rivetrain#desc

How about that????

 

topher1316

'87 and up motors were roller blocks. So you'll need a roller cam. 305 TPI cam specs for automatic cars are 179/194 350/348 109

I'm doing a cam swap in my 89 305 TPI. I've decided just to swap in a used LT1 cam (cost $20-30). The specs are 203/208 460/460 116. It's a good inexpensive little upgrade and LT1 cams can be found everywhere.

Just remember to change your springs, locs and retainers.

I recommend the ZZ4 springs - part number 12495494
Locks part number - 12495503
Retainer part number - 19171528

Go to www.gmpartsdirect.com

They seem to have cheap pricing for GM part numbers. Changing the springs, lock and retainers is cheap insurance.

Good luck.

 

The boys at Comp Cams are real good.
It was a pleasant surprise, and a mild disappointment what I asked them for their recomendation for my project.
I gave them all my specs, and intended use., wanted performance, "settle for" performance, and such, and they recommended EXACTLY the cam I already have ! ( one of theirs )
Since they do this every day, AND made a recomendation that lost them a sale, I'm impressed !

 

Thanks The Project thats exactly what I needed to know. So you used the 350 Lt1 Cam. How much performance do you think you will get out of it???

 

What year 305 do you have? some had the L98 cam which aint much smaller than the LT1. Infact it had more duration but less lift. You can get similar lift with 1.6-1.65 Rockers.

220 degrees is abit much for a 305 TPI car.

I'd probably go for a 212/218 cam or similar. ZZ4 aint bad either and can be had for cheap. Most cams will require you to have heads machined to accept higher lift. doesnt cost all that much

 

I have an 87, so i believe it is an LB9

 

Get the LT1 cam from a 95-97 car as the 93-94 cam is a bit smaller on the lift. I would estimate a gain of 20 or so hp on the cam alone. Also, you might consider an LS1 alum. driveshaft (98 and up) to lighten up the drivetrain a bit and free up some hp. Cost around $100-120

ZZ4 cam will definitely need screw in studs installed and machine work done. By the time you do all that to stock heads might as well save for some TFS heads. Many threads here about running ZZ4 cams in 305 motors.....good performance for the buck

I have a brand new ZZ4 cam at home to be installed later

 

Well its a few hundred bucks in machine work for fresh rebuild 305 heads vs 1100 for TFS stuff, kind of a big difference. BUT i do agree, might as well get the heads anyway..its totally worth the saving The smaller 175cc heads for smaller bore motors can be used on a 355 later and make great power so its not a purchase just for a 305, its an investment for possible future engine build for more power

 

Wow, thanks guys. That is exactly the information that I needed. You have convinced me from buying an aftermarket cam to buying an LT1 cam, and saving maybe a hundred bucks. And I will probably get the aluminum drive shaft after I rebuild the engine.

Thanks every body.

Chris