almost dead 305 to 5.7 or 5.3 swap questions

[snotrocket71]

hey guys, so the 305 in my trucks really acting like its on its last leg and was considering an engine swap in the near future. i had previously talked about an olds 350 swap but wound up giving/selling my motor to my brother for our/his project (long story). so i was contemplating a motor swap of some kind and would like some input on either of the two: budget is a huge consideration for me as much as i hate to cheap out on things. i was thinking 87 up 350's, prefferably 96 and newer because theyre pretty easy to find at a reasonable price with all the accessories and such and pretty much a bolt in, i'd just need a carburated manifold (i'd love fuel injection but dont have the time nor the money to have my truck hung up for more than a few days). i was looking into a 5.3 swap as well considering they're not exactly too expensive or hard to find, how much would be involved in that? how many guys have swapped a 5.3 in a k5? any problems with mounts, oil pan, exhaust manifolds? carbed intakes etc? i'd like to get my facts in line before the 305 craps out and not have my truck hung up and i'm throwing money in all the wrong places. if any more details are needed just let me know, any insight and experiences would be greatly welcome. thank you all very much -Josh R.

 

[unknown_soldier]

I just swapped a 350 for my 305 last week. Your best bet might be to find an old beater car or truck with a strong 350. I see that you want a 96 or newer engine, but I bought a 1981 3/4 ton truck with a good running engine and Edelbrock 1406 carb. Picked it up for $700. On top of that, it has a new steering box, and the fenders and doors are rust free. I think I got an unbeatable deal. Good luck with your hunt.

 

[snotrocket71]

id say thats a pretty good deal you scored yourself. yeah, id prefer a centerbolt motor if at least, preferably something with a roller cam too. i even entertained the idea of another 305 if this thing craps out sooner than expected...

 

[dfl701]

if your looking for a new 350 but dont want the fuel injection then just pick up a regular 350 from somewhere and give it a rebuild if it needs it. no sense in going with FI just to take if off. seems like a waste of money

 

[snotrocket71]

ideally i would love to have a freshly rebuilt motor but i'm kinda being really really cheap at the moment due to other projects and its generally easier to find a newer unmolested lower mileage 350 out of a wreck in my area which is what im probably going to do and just slap a carb intake on it and reuse as much as humanly possible between the 305 and donor motor. my plan may be flawed but i figure anythings an improvement over what i've got.

 

[sweetk30]

roller cam and 350 = car motor in the tbi years of 1 peice rear main. trucks/vans = no roller cam.

then 96-up vortec = roller cams also.

 

[unknown_soldier]

I'll sell you my 305. That thing is SWEET! It will never rust. Highly oiled inside and out. It will be a breeze to bolt up to the torque converter since the crank can be turned by hand. Can't beat that. :-D

Seriously though, craigslist can be your friend if you can be patient. In my area there are tons of 350s for sale at $500.

 

[snotrocket71]

Thank you very much for the info sweetK30, i wasnt exactly sure what engine had a roller cam and what didnt

 

[snotrocket71]

yeah, i'm constantly looking over craigslist for every imaginable thing. ive found some decent deals and some not so good ones. on long island its hit or miss, it may be one of the crappiest places to look for older car/truck parts everyone thinks they have gold... i think i'll pass on your 305 as mint as it sounds ... sounds like mine all greasy and nasty. i think every gasket has or will have some kind of leak within the next month if i'm not driving it too much and too hard