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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: rainman15 on January 06, 2013, 05:33:25 pm

Title: Ditching my 305
Post by: rainman15 on January 06, 2013, 05:33:25 pm
I spent my engine money on a new carport in mid 2012 trying to save my trucks exterior.  Figured it would pay for itself in the long run.  Now it is a new year and my project fund is building again so it's nearing time to pull the tired original 305 and go to something with a little more power.  Any recommendations for a source to find a complete plug in motor that will not require me to make too many changes to the truck?  It is a 84 SWB 305 4brl automatic 4x4, all original. 

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/29/75/16069257_large.jpg?v=1)
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: pedigo78 on January 06, 2013, 06:44:09 pm
Well you can put a 350 in it with no problem. actually you can put just about any chevy motor in these trucks. just depends on what you want. I have a BB in mine but, if it was my rig i would put a 350 in it.
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: Captkaos on January 06, 2013, 06:58:47 pm
What are the goals of the replacement? 
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: rainman15 on January 07, 2013, 06:13:46 pm
Goals are more power and better pulling capabilities if I decide to pull my boat with it.  I'm not lifting it or changing gears/tires etc.  Just want it to be more like driving my new GMC when I hit the loud pedal.  JEG's has a 350 crate for $1499.99 with free shipping.  I guess that would be the easiest way to go, and that is about where I wanted to be on money.  I'm not interested in rebuilding/reusing my 305. 
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: Captkaos on January 07, 2013, 09:26:59 pm
Whatever you get, make sure it has a warranty...
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: bake74 on January 07, 2013, 09:39:13 pm
Whatever you get, make sure it has a warranty...

     And preferably close to you if possible in case there is a problem.
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: LITTLE BLACK TRUCK on January 11, 2013, 06:32:09 pm
A very simple engine to go with and make decent power would be a 350. You can use the old skool 2.02 camel hump heads with 64 cc chambers and you can get em for $50-300 depending on who you know. Get a q-jet carb off a large cadillac engine because they have bigger jets. Switching the heads will make a noticeable power increase over a stock 350. Now if you can find a cheap 350 block you can use a 307 crank with 350 rods and pistons to make a simple 327. But some people would ask why wouldent you just build a 350 and I tell them a 327 revs quicker than a 350. But now I am rambleing on.  :P
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: Irish_Alley on January 12, 2013, 07:41:23 am
Get a q-jet carb off a large cadillac engine because they have bigger jets.
i have to disagree with this. just because a q jet works more on vacuum with the secondarilys, even if you have a 800cfm q-jet most where 750cfm your not going to use all that 800. a mild 350 will only use 600 so that being said a stock q-jet can/will put out 750cfm only if its needed.
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: Edahall on January 12, 2013, 11:11:59 am
I would go with a used LSx 4.8 or 5.3 engine / transmission combo.  It might cost you a little more initially but you'll gain in back in fuel saving and better driveability.
Title: Re: Ditching my 305
Post by: Smarttravis1511 on January 28, 2013, 07:34:34 pm
Yep I agree with this guy ^^^ ! Ls swap the truck, plenty more power, better fuel milage and its a real easy swap! Ls motors are just as cheap to buy as a 350 and a cammed ls will make what a good built 350 will. And you can also stick with what tranny you have right now