Engine build opinions on 305, 350, 400, or BBC

[nlauffer]

I have an 83 GMC SWB with a good running 305 in it and a TH350.  Originally the truck had a 700R4, but PO must have thought too expensive to rebuild.  95% of my driving is in town and I live in a SMALL town.  I work as the Assistant Director of Emergency Services and am a paramedic/firefighter as well as the Assistant Emergency Manager.  Oh yeah my beautiful wife and 3 wonderful children (3-8).  I know this is not the hello section.  Just putting down some back story. 

My question is not so much a question as it is a request for opinions.  I read threads posted here on a daily basis, through all categories.  The knowledge and experience is great here.  I would like to know your ideas about replacing the 305 with something else or rebuilding it for more power.  I have always been one to try the strange route on things.  Since I was in school I have wanted to stroke a 305.  Not the best idea, but it was different.  I think I will stay away from that on this one.  Why not put same amount of money in a 350 stroker. 

I know this is the a pretty wide area of thought so here are some things I am considering.

1.  I have the 305 already, so why not just upgrade it.  cheaper that way.
2.  I have a complete 350.  Full rebuild or just getting by?
3.  I don't really want to build a stroker, the 383 is too popular of a build these days.
4.  Did I mention, wife, 3 kids, small town, and I'm a paramedic/firefighter.  Cost is a big consideration, but time is not.
5.  I would like this to be a project for myself and my 3 children.  I didnt have that when I was young.
6.  BBC???  I like the idea, but probably the most costly as I would be starting from square 1.  Although 396 or 427 would be cool.
7.  I'm probably gonna stay with GM parts. ie stock heads or vortec heads( Maybe aftermarket there)
8.  Cost of rebuilding crank versus Scat or reman'd unit?  Norhtern Auto has some good prices.
9.  This will be carb'd, auto, AC.
10.  Comp cams Thumpr sounds like a good cam.  I would like to get some lope out of the motor, but driveability is more important.

All opinions are greatly appreciated.

[jaredts]

My vote:  tear down the 350, figure out the minimum you can get by with and rebuild it.  If its in good shape I'd use as much of the stock parts as possible with the exception of the heads.  I feel like smog era heads are a waste of money to rebuild with vortec and aftermarket options.  Best case scenario you do a re-ring, new bearings, cam+lifters, vortec heads+intake, and you've got a fairly hot motor on a very small budget.  You may have to get it bored and buy pistons, you may have to replace the crank, but you don't know until you pull out a micrometer and some calipers and start checking.

[zieg85]

Really research the Thumpr cam thought... They sound neat however they really lack performance...

[thirsty]

I agree with jaredts, if you are trying to be budget minded and want to do it yourself use the 350 that you already have. Built it right though with whatever is needed so you can use it hard if you want without worry.

I also agree with zieg about the thumper cam. Do your homework on your cam choice or get some advice from someone who knows. Matching a cam to your motor and intended use of the motor is important. The wrong cam will leave you disappointed. The correct cam, carb, and tuning will put a big smile on your face every time you use your right foot.

[nlauffer]

I have, for the most part, decided to rebuild the 350 with the least amount of parts I can.  I have looked at Northern Auto and would like to build the engine and see just how little money can be spent on one. 

My plan is to tear down the motor first and find out if it has been rebuilt already.  I want to send the block off and get it bored, honed, decked, cleaned, and checked for cracks.  This runs about $600 at a good machine shop within an hour from me.  There is also a community college which I had attended that has a nice machine shop.  I built my first motor there, a 327.  I have emailed the instructor to see if a student needs some work.

I'm pretty sure a master kit from Northern is the direction I'm going.  As for the Thumpr cam I have heard that it is not a good performing cam, that it only gives you the sound.  When the time comes, I'll call the tech dept. and ask them to recommend one.  Just need to pick a manufacturer.  I like Comp Cams, but don't really have a solid preference.

[Captkaos]

Nail down what you are building before throwing parts at it.  A nice lopey cam sounds good, but unless you have all the other stuff to go with it, compression, heads, stall, gearing, it is a waste of time.  What are you going to be using the truck for realistically, if it is a driver, plan accordingly.  By going with the cheapest solution, you are tying yourself to a rebuild for a daily.  There is nothing wrong with using smog heads, but I would investigate the cost before dumping any money in them.  The last daily I built I got heads on exchange and it only cost me $200 for a pair of complete heads that were already rebuilt, and checked.

[nlauffer]

Since time is not as important on this build.  I am probably going with the route daily driver with upgraded performance, but least expensive.  I would like to take the heads that are on it and try my hand at port matching.  I would like to stay all iron, except intake.  I have found that exchanging stock parts seems to be the least expensive