Ditching my 305

[rainman15]

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. 

[pedigo78]

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.

[Captkaos]

What are the goals of the replacement? 

[rainman15]

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. 

[Captkaos]

Whatever you get, make sure it has a warranty...

[bake74]

Whatever you get, make sure it has a warranty...

     And preferably close to you if possible in case there is a problem.

[LITTLE BLACK TRUCK]

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. 

[Irish_Alley]

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.

[Edahall]

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.

[Smarttravis1511]

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