[bowtiebill]

My first project is putting this (1979 Nova) 305 in an 85 S10 w/410 rear end and most likely a turbo 400 trans, just a little street machine/ sometimes daily driver. I have some 305 (L30)Vortec heads for it and my wish list includes an Edelbrock 7516 airgap RPM Performer with a 600CFM 4 barrel of some type.
The intake may change based on the budget or if there is something that works better better for this application.

I have read enough about cams to be dangerous. It looks like Lunati gets pretty good marks and they have a "Bare Bones" kit that is well priced. Less than $100
#10000LK 204/214 Dur .420/.443 lift 112LSA
#10001LK 214/224 Dur .443/.465 lift 112LSA

The question is, what difference will it make in the ride/performance of the truck? The specs are very similar but there must be a reason they offer both. For my set up is one better than the other, or does it matter? They cost the same.

Along those lines, new stamped 1.5 replacement rocker arms are about $52 and roller tip rockers are about $104. Nice to have but does it really make a difference? My vortec heads did not have any rockers on them.

Thanks- everyone has been really helpful so far

[ericnova72]

The larger of those two cams will be a little more radical acting in a little 305 and will need a 2500-2800 rpm stall converter for best results. That is about the only difference.

You may want to get the regular Performer RPM rather than the Air-Gap if this is much of a driver, the Air-Gap takes a longer time to warm up and not be sluggish in a street vehicle. Both make identical power within 2-3 hp. If it is always going to be driven in 70°+ weather than this won't matter so much.

Don't waste you money on the stamped roller tip rockers, it is a sales gimmick. The roller in the tip is not very effective, the real place that needs a roller is the pivot point(fulcrum), like the aluminum and stainless body race rocker arms have. At your cam size and performance level a stamped stock type rocker will be just fine.

[bowtiebill]

Thanks Ericnova72

Just the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I'm leaning toward the smaller cam It keeps the lift under .450 for the heads

[psbaker75]

Also bear in mind that vortec heads require self-aligning rocker arms or a rocker guide, so factor that in when making your choice. I have 062 heads on my 350, and recently snapped a rocker stud due to a lack of spring retainer to stem seal clearance. Your cam specs should be fine for stock heads, but be sure to check the spring retainer to stem seal clearance to be sure. After the break, when I mocked up, I found a clearance of only .436 so check yours first and avoid issues later. If you need to add some clearance, comp cams makes cutters that are pretty straight forward and can be had for about $110. Well worth it.

[bowtiebill]

I found a machine shop that will machine the guides for $35 I think I will invest regardless of which cam I use. Seems better safe than sorry. Anything will be an improvement over the 2.5 w/80HP