Need engine advice. 350 or 305?

[SlicksInRain]

I found an engine on-line for my 65 Chevy C-10. 350 with a 350 tranny for $450 and the guy liked me so he said $400. The problem is this guy never heard the engine run, nor has he drove with it. He bought a 52 Chevy with full intention to restore it and had an engine waiting for it, that's why he is selling the 350 with tranny. The engine needs a pully, belt and really that's about it. The oil has no water in it or anything, but he couldn't get it started. It needs a starter which he said he would give to me. I didn't notice any oil leaked anywhere or anything, but again he's never heard it run or anything. By the looks of the spark plugs it seems fine too... but then again the guy could have cleaned this all up. Here is my second option...

I was looking at the engine next to it and asked what he wanted for it. It is a 305 that was rebuilt 2 years ago with 16,000 miles. It looks great, like brand new from a crate engine company. It's complete with headers, but it needs an air filter, alternator, exc... little stuff. But man that thing looks great. He said he didn't know if he wanted to part with it, but it has been sitting for 2 years and has been taking up space. It even has headers. He said it's mine for $550. I'm thinking that seems a little high for a 305, but this thing looks mint and the guy knows it's a good engine. Even has an Edelbrock carb. Do you think if I say I'll give you $500 cash and you keep the headers this will be ok? Again I know the 305 isn't a 350, but I don't care, I just want to cruise.

Which engine should I look into? These seem like the best I have found so far and the 305 has more of my attention right now. The price is the only thing that is has me hesitating. I want to get an engine on friday.

Advice please!

 

[misterfnygy]

Not sure about your area but it is fairly easy to find runing 350's here for $500 or less. Honestly though, I don't think you would mind the 305 if you can spare a little power. Just keep in mind that it will still be a 305 when you want to go faster....

 

[jtrux]

When it comes down to it they are all the same small block chevy ( I know they are different bores but it won't matter in your case). It doesn't sound like you're trying to go fast or anything like that and in that case you probably would notice a difference from a stock 305 to a 350. I will probably get flamed like crazy for saying that but it's pretty much true. Now if were comparing a 350 to a 454 that would be different. Anyways, in the future if you decided on more power and you wanted to upgrade the cam and other small bolt ons it would make a big difference and you wouldn't be disappointed.

I say go 305, it sounds like a good deal and like I said, you won't notice a difference between the two.

 

[chevyridinhigh79]

honestly id stay away from the 305. i have one in my k10 and its garbage. ive heard that 305s eat cams like nobodies business. honestly, id spend the $450 for the 350 and take a chance before i would buy another 305. thats just my opinion

 

[troutbum_mt]

Personally, I would go with the 350. Although they are the same block, parts seem to be cheaper for 350s than other engines. I have a 400 (same block) and I have been browsing some upgrades to the engine and the parts are consistently more expensive than their 350 counterparts from what I have seen and it is trend that has me a little worried. Just looking through Jegs, I don't even see much listed for a 305 so I would keep parts availability and costs in mind when you decide.

 

[JEBSR]

The 400 is actually a differant block.


If you don't care about and will never care about the power, then the 305 is ok. Not great, but ok. I personally would not put anything smaller than a 350 into a full size truck. I would just save another 500- 700 bucks and buy a crate motor with a warranty. You can find them for 1000-1200 bucks all day long. Then all you need to do is put your accesories, valve covers, oil pan, etc. on a new (or rebuilt) engine.

 

[troutbum_mt]

The 400 is actually a differant block.

Interesting. I was told it was the same and took it for true since I didn't know any better. Thanks for the info.

 

[jtrux]

They all are different blocks.

305 - 3 7/8 inch bore
350 - 4 inch bore
400 - 4 1/8 inch bore

 

[CHEVYDADDY]

Hey i had both and have a 305 in a 85 k5 right! i love going muddin but the truth is i dont get to go a lot and the truck is a daily driver. i have 2.76 gears and a 4 speed in the floor so gas milage is pretty good. ii have a neighbor with a k5 and 350 hes is running 35" tires and yes he has more torque but im running 32" tires and killing him in gas mileage we went out labor day and yes i had to give it help to make it through the mud hole but i made! wil say with the 305 in 4L i use L and 1 gear it dont like 2nd at all and in 4H i use L but even frist is hard on it in 4H. he runs 350 with a 400 trubo and uses 4L 1gear and walk through the holes.