TADailyDriver

iTrader: (8)

Ok guys so im fianlly starting to build up my motor. Ive bought a set of Vortec heads off a 99' 350 casting # 062, purchased the GM performance Vortec TBI manifold w/ EGR, Holley 670 CFM TBI Unit w/ adjustable FPR. Im at th point where teardown has begun and i have a few questions. Im still trying to decide if i should run an aftermarket camshaft or not. So im wondering if I run this top end setup but dont support it with a bigger cam, what kinds of problems can i/ will i run into? Also what brand of camshaft would work best with this setup on a 305 TBI? i dont have the experience/knowladge to jump on a labtop and run a tunning program, so i would like to find someone to do it for me. Im not looking to build anything fancy so that it why i am thinking about just using the stock camshaft for now, and upgrading to a bigger one next year. Also my headers dont have an EGR port on them so is it possible to just drill a hole into the top of one of the header tubes and then weld the EGR pipe into that goes to the manifold? If not how can i make my headers EGR compatible? Thanks for reading and let me know what you all think.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Headers aren't made for EGR. Some are made for A.I.R., however.

In order to get the EGR to work:
"To use EGR, the gasses must be plumbed from the exhaust manifold into the intake manifold. There are many exhaust manifolds that have drilled and tapped holes that can be used to fabricate a tube. To do this, you must use GM exhaust manifold #12557828 or the Edelbrock External EGR adapter kit #2899 with headers. EGR supply tube #10220275 is also required for installation with either headers or exhaust manifold. This manifold does not have an EO number, not legal in California." (from the sdparts.com Vortec TBI manifold page)

Some have used an LT1 take-out cam in TBI engines with good results. Go with much more cam than that, and you're looking at PROM tuning for sure.

The 350 Vortec heads will lower your compression due to going from 58cc to 64cc chambers. But, the superior Vortec design typically makes up for the loss.

TADailyDriver

iTrader: (8)

Thanks five7kid for your help, i have been lookign around for an lt cam as we speak. With a lt camshaft and my vortec heads can the stock rockers handle the extra lift or will i have to buy new ones? i plan on using all the stock push rods and lifters for the time being unless you can reccomend an aftermarket set that would work well. Also if i do run the lt cam, will i have to change my timing gears at all or will stock timing gears/chain do just fine? I plan on removing all the A.I.R. tubing and whatnot from my engine bay just to free up space, so i was told i wont need EGR and just to run a block plate... is that correct? This is my first engine build im doing myself so i need to make sure i get everything right before i dig myself too deep a hole haha. Thanks for the repsonces...

TADailyDriver

iTrader: (8)

bump

atc3434

iTrader: (4)

How much performance are you looking for? I would consider milling the heads and going with a moderate cam if thats in your budget. Based on your mods you're looking to go a bit faster, if you've got the motor out for work you might as well capitalize on the potential, vortec heads are good, keeping the compression up with a 305 will make them even better. If you're gonna do a cam, you might as well run something to work well with the rest of your setup, if you're breathing good in and out something with a tad more duration might realize your other mods potential even more. There are a few options out there that still will be ok lift-wise w/ stock vortecs. If you can had the heads setup for a bit more lift, all sorts of doors open up.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Blocking off the EGR will require PROM work.

TADailyDriver

iTrader: (8)

Well hers an update of whats been going on so far, ive purchased all i need to start my build but now that i have gotten my taxes back and got back more then what i was expecting, i am in the process of looking for a assembled 350 engine with decently low miles to swap in. I found a 350 tbi engine out of a truck for $325 that runs, so i may go ahead and purchase that and swap it in. Now as far as my computer goes, do i need to buy a 350 tbi computer or can i just have my computer chip out of my 305 flashed and re-programmed? If so, does anyone know of a place i can mail it to? Thanks for the feedback so far

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

You can work with your 305 chip.

Check the TBI forum for sources.