i feel like I am taking crazy pills- my 305 is growing on me

[Lostroad44]

I brought home my 85 k5 recently and the 305 was going to be pulled and replaced with a tbi 350 out of a 1992 suburban that I have. In order to pass smog I had to tune up the engine and get things squared away and to my suprise the 305 while not great at racing VW buses wasnt so bad. I had been struggling with taking the motor out of the burb as it was pretty clean. I only plan on running 33s and use it around the ranch, so pretty light duty, has anyone done the bolt on perforance route (manifold, carb, headers, exaust, ignition) ? I would be interested in the performance as for my needs it would be easier to keep the 305.

thanks

 

[four_by_ken]

If you arent looking for a big power house... the 305 will be fine.

I would do some nice bolts ons, but not drop boat loads of cash on a 305.

 

[Big Ray]

After market exhaust always made the best bang for the buck mod for me...

second, I'd look at regearing the axles. It's expensive, yes, but it will maximize your 305 engine power. Probably be cheaper to simply swap axles.

I've had both motors, you will be happier with the 350 TBI. It's head and shoulders above any 305....IMO

 

[DizturbedOne]

Stock form there is not much difference in a 350 or 305 in terms of power for those smogger years anyways. I've been on a Camaro board for years since I got my third generation Camaro, and alot of guys over there run with the 305. 3" exhaust, nice headers, a good intake, MSD setup, some small chambered junkyard 350 heads and a dremel... Guys are FAST with those little 305's... One guy had a Camaro running looooow 11's with a stock block, trans, and rear end (yes a 10-bolt) for 2 years. Just bolting stuff on and squeeze the juice half down the track to make up for lack of top end. He finally blew it up on the bottle while chasing 10's after going through a couple rear ends and a trans. Most of those guys still use a Q-Jet for street performance too. Seems like only the strip guys bother with a Holley or Edelbrock.

So yes... The 305 should do you just fine if you want to tinker a little bit here and there with the bolt ons like you say. I say go for it. It should be pretty cheap anyway, it's all SBC parts after all.

 

[chulisohombre]

the 305 is a good lil engine.itll run forever if taken care of.

 

[Big Ray]

Nothing wrong with the 305. The one I had was an '86 k5 carbed (49 state emission) model.

Then I wound up with an '88 tbi pickup 350.

Stock for stock, the 350 was better, for me. I was doing 120 miles a day between work and school. I could actually pass traffic with the 350