Is a 305 engine any good?

[SlicksInRain]

I was on Ebay and found a K5 Blazer being parted out and the guy is selling a 70,000 mile 305 engine for $275. First off are these engines any good? Second will this engine work with a Turbo 400 transmission? The engine is complete from the oil pan to the air filter. Seems like a good buy, but I want to be sure.

The 65 Chevy C-10 I am fixing is set up for a 350 so how hard would it be to make a 305 go in? My 350 is shot so I need a new engine. Opinions please!

Thanks.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

305's are pretty durable but they don't make as much power as a 350 and generally don't give any better mileage. If you're starting without a motor I would find a 350.

If you want to go with the 305 it will bolt to a Chevy TH400. Chevy small blocks and big blocks use the same bellhousing bolt pattern. The motor mounts are the same between a 305 and 350.

 

[Randy92782]

Thats too much for a 305 IMO

You should be able to find a good or decent 350 for cheaper.

 

[SlicksInRain]

What would be a good asking price?

I really don't care about performance so this engine seems ok.

How hard is it to find parts?

Can I find chrome dress up kits easily for a 305?

 

[Randy92782]

Not sure. Depends what all comes on the motor. The 350 and 305 are almost identical in how everything bolts up. Any small block chevy(305,350,400) will basically be the same when asking for a dress up kit.

Parts are readily easy to find and cheap also.

 

[scrappyk5]

I have a 305 hooked up to a th400 right now and with about 168,000
on the clock, the motor does great with the tranny. But as others have said. the 305 in a stock mode is durable but does not make alot of power.
mine does fine, actually I think better with the th400 than my original 700r4.
if you can find a 350, go for it, but if the deal is good with the 305, use it for now, till you have the funds for the 350

 

[USSkoval]

Sounds to me like a good deal, as long as power isn't your priority. Just clean it up, bolt it in and go.

 

[four_by_ken]

As others said... power is just down a little on the 305 compared to a 350.

Other than that... good motor. If its in your price range, I would say go for it.