can i upgrade my cam with the stock h.o. heads?

[1984-monte-carlo-ss]

im changing my intake and i figured while im at it i might as well upgrade it

 

[megaladon6]

up to a point. eventually the cams have too much lift and flow for the head to handle

 

[1984-monte-carlo-ss]

up to a point. eventually the cams have too much lift and flow for the head to handle

what size cam could i get before messing everything up? or will it just screw everything up eventually anyway?

 

[drogg1]

I would recommend something like this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-12-208-2/

For an otherwise stock 305. Otherwise a cam with really no more than around 270 advertised duration, around an 110 lobe separation angle or LSA for the street, and with .460 lift.

Some will say to opt for a bigger cam than this but with the stock heads and low compression, it is easy to go too big pon the cam and lose all bottom end power and drive-ability for no benefit in horsepower. A cam with the given specs will give you all the power and performance that stock 305 or any 305 can put out.

 

[1984-monte-carlo-ss]

thanks, now will it sound a bit meaner? i have a full flowmaster exhaust edelbrock 600cfm and 3:73's if i add headers, a new intake, cam, and carb spacer, how much hp do you think id have?

 

[CHRIS.O]

I'm telling you this because I have been around the block with engines. Don't waste your time working on a 305. Do the intake and headers because those can be used on another sbc. You should be able to pick up a running 350 for $500 or even a little less. Stab that in there with a mild cam and you will have double the performance of a cammed 305. Night and day difference. if you choose to still put a cam in your 305 then I would call a couple cam manufactures or use their online cam recommendation request forms. They would be able to set you up with the best cam for your application. You remind me of my 260 olds days, I wanted to do everything I could to that to boost the power but in the end it was just a let down. Still got smoked by EVERYTHING haha. Goodluck whichever way you choose buddy. As long as you have fun working on it that is all that matters.

 

[1984-monte-carlo-ss]

I'm telling you this because I have been around the block with engines. Don't waste your time working on a 305. Do the intake and headers because those can be used on another sbc. You should be able to pick up a running 350 for $500 or even a little less. Stab that in there with a mild cam and you will have double the performance of a cammed 305. Night and day difference. if you choose to still put a cam in your 305 then I would call a couple cam manufactures or use their online cam recommendation request forms. They would be able to set you up with the best cam for your application. You remind me of my 260 olds days, I wanted to do everything I could to that to boost the power but in the end it was just a let down. Still got smoked by EVERYTHING haha. Goodluck whichever way you choose buddy. As long as you have fun working on it that is all that matters.

ahaha thanks for the advice bro i mean i am asking for a crate engine or a vortec engine from a wrecked escalade/suburban/tahoe for graduation so i mean all i would have to do would be putting it in and working my th350 or buying a worked 200r4

 

[Elco Slimm]

I'm telling you this because I have been around the block with engines. Don't waste your time working on a 305. Do the intake and headers because those can be used on another sbc. You should be able to pick up a running 350 for $500 or even a little less. Stab that in there with a mild cam and you will have double the performance of a cammed 305. Night and day difference. if you choose to still put a cam in your 305 then I would call a couple cam manufactures or use their online cam recommendation request forms. They would be able to set you up with the best cam for your application. You remind me of my 260 olds days, I wanted to do everything I could to that to boost the power but in the end it was just a let down. Still got smoked by EVERYTHING haha. Goodluck whichever way you choose buddy. As long as you have fun working on it that is all that matters.

ahaha thanks for the advice bro i mean i am asking for a crate engine or a vortec engine from a wrecked escalade/suburban/tahoe for graduation so i mean all i would have to do would be putting it in and working my th350 or buying a worked 200r4

I have a running 350 for $450!!!

 

[Elco Slimm]

I'm telling you this because I have been around the block with engines. Don't waste your time working on a 305. Do the intake and headers because those can be used on another sbc. You should be able to pick up a running 350 for $500 or even a little less. Stab that in there with a mild cam and you will have double the performance of a cammed 305. Night and day difference. if you choose to still put a cam in your 305 then I would call a couple cam manufactures or use their online cam recommendation request forms. They would be able to set you up with the best cam for your application. You remind me of my 260 olds days, I wanted to do everything I could to that to boost the power but in the end it was just a let down. Still got smoked by EVERYTHING haha. Goodluck whichever way you choose buddy. As long as you have fun working on it that is all that matters.

ahaha thanks for the advice bro i mean i am asking for a crate engine or a vortec engine from a wrecked escalade/suburban/tahoe for graduation so i mean all i would have to do would be putting it in and working my th350 or buying a worked 200r4

I wouldnt put a th350 to the vortec motor. I have a vortec 5.7 in my 79 el camino with a th350. I have the th350 rebuilt and with that vortec you'll need a transmission with overdrive. But only if you plan on running the car on the freeway.

 

[megaladon6]

and you have to be sure that it's a gen1 vortec motor, NOT an LS. the LS is a great motor but it takes MUCH more to install it.