Speedy Mike

What cam should i use for a Firebird With TPI on a L03 block with vortec heads???

Also, I am currently putting in a TPI setup, can I reuse the distributor from my 92 on an 86 tpi? Because the tpi distributor is for an flat tappet cam and and the tbi distributor is for a roller cam

Speedy Mike

Anybody???

Street Lethal

iTrader: (16)

For an everyday driver, on a 305? I wouldn't go with anything more than the "Hot Cam". Just make sure you bump you're fuel pressure up a tad after the install.

Also, make sure you port the heck out of you're stock intake, plenum and runners, to truly feel the benefit of the swap...

Have fun!

D's89IROCZ

I am NO expert but I will just post some tid bits

I wouldn't run the hot cam in a TPI 350 let alone a 305 . It's peak is WAY above were the TPI can even breath . SO I don't see that being a good choice. Pick a cam more suited for mid range power. I have the Edlebrock Hi-flo TPI set . It was ported in about 4" to siamese the runners . It still only peaked at about 4900 rpm. But this was with a ZZ4 cam.


just my .02

Street Lethal

iTrader: (16)

In retrospect though, you have to consider the fact that he'll eventually toss the 'stock' TPI unit, in favor for either a HSR or LT1 intake conversion. Building on top of the stock TPI unit would be a complete waste of time (so spending money on a cam that caters mainly to the stock TPI's low RPM capability would be foolish, in the long run)....

Just my

Speedy Mike

I don't want a gas hog, just a little more power than 170hp, that royally sucks. I am putting the tpi setup on currently and I want it because it looks a hell of a lot better than TBI!! I dont care about the LT1 intake it doesnt look as good. I happen to pick up a set of vortec heads from the same guy I got the TPI from, and thought it might be better than stock heads. I want something used and rather inexpensive that puts out a decent amount of power, thats all. what i'm asking is will an lt1 cam work well in my car with the tpi and vortec heads. Remember 18..First car...College....

Street Lethal

iTrader: (16)

Well, I don't remember that question being asked, initially. But, the LT1 cam is a decent cam to go with for a 305. The TBI'ers like this cam, mainly for the ECM's tolerance of it....

This cam, with those heads, will give you a pretty decent performer out their on the street. I'm guesstimating around 260-280 horsepower.... not too shabby for someone's first car.

Enjoy!

Speedy Mike

Sweet.... I can get an LT1 cam for about $20 used..

85rocker

Do you want an intake that looks good or goes fast?

The TPI will up your 305 tq alot but in the long run limit your hp gains unless you are willing to spend $$$. Serious builders move to carb or HSR style intake systems.

What about mod'ing your TBI? There is some serious mod'ing to be done to a TBI these days. You stand to gain much more HP through TBI style intakes and will avoid harness butchery of a TPI swap.

gmgod

I did'nt see it mentioned anywhere so..... don't forget you can't use the stock tpi base with vortec heads.

Speedy Mike

I'm going for looks primarily, then power. I'm going to glass blast the TPI and polish it.
I got the LT1 cam yesterday and found out that the "vortec" heads are not actually vortec heads, they are swirl port 350 heads, or "early style vortecs" from an 87 truck. Will the LT1 cam still work with These heads after the swirl has been ground out and ported?
Here is the info on the heads
14102193...87-up...305/350......1.94"/1.5" valves

gmgod

Yeah it will work, but thats gonna be a lot of grinding and your gonna lose .5 point or so compression. Why not sell those to someone and pick up a set of lb9 heads?

BMmonteSS

There is no difference between those heads, and the ones that are on your car now, other than the bigger combustion chamber. Save your money and invest in some good heads you can use on a 350 down the road.

Besides heads don't make your engine "look" any better.