I am looking to swap out my 305 v8 automatic, for something with a little more power. I have been looking at 350s and 383s. I haven't settled on one or the other yet. I would like to also switch this over to a 5sp.

Any engine that people would recommend?

my question is as follows. Besides the engine, what all would i need to know about $$$ and Parts going forward.

Do I need a new transmission if i keep it as an auto?
Should I be beefing up the brakes?

I guess I am looking to know what all is needed in this idea, because I don't want to have a disaster and financial problems if it isn't planned with an idea on what this might cost.

Thanks for any advice.

 

Who is going to be doing the swap? If you intend to pay a shop for the work, you'd be far better off selling the car and buying a different one. If you're doing the work yourself, you'll be able to save a lot of money- but it will take a lot of time, blood, sweat, tears, and yeah, money too.

If you're swapping the transmission, expect that to cost a lot, as well. You're going to need to cut a hole in the floor, for starters. You'll need a new K-member and possibly a new drive shaft, and lots of other things that other people will be able to fill you in on. I kept my original automatic, so I'm not familiar with the swap. I just know it's ridiculously expensive.

If you're curious, I decided to do a swap because my original engine spun a rod bearing. I figured it would cost me around $3000-$4000, which seemed worthwhile- repairing my 305 would have rang up around $2500, so not that much less. My engine swap cost me $10,000. That includes $2000 for an engine. $2000 in performance parts for that engine. $1000 rebuilding it once it was discovered the block was cracked. $3000 to finally pull the old engine and install the new one. Add in the value of the car, and I could be driving a C5 Corvette for the same money.

My car has been towed all over the province from home to shop to home again, at my expense, over the course of the two years it took to actually get the swap done. And then, after just 5000 miles, my head gaskets failed. Factory defect. So I got to do it all over again, towing the car everywhere to get the engine disassembled and rebored, because one of the cylinder walls rusted. That's another $2500 expense, btw.

And once that's done I get the pleasure of towing the car back home so I can finish reassembling the engine, because I really can't afford to spend any more money on it.

I will enjoy driving my car when or if it ever runs again, but has it been worth it? That's an emphatic NO.

Bottom line: If you really, really, want to swap an engine and you really want it to be this specific car, it is possible, and there are plenty of options. Expect it to cost a lot more than you think it will and take a lot longer than you want it to, but it can be done and the end results won't disappoint.

But if you're not satisfied with the power you've got and you just want to have more, then buy a different car. You'll get far, far, far more value for your money, that way.

 

Is the motor carbed or injected. If you do nothing but change out the 305 for a 350 you can do that for a little cash and some time. Everything from the first motor can be bolted on the 350 and you gain a lot of HP and TQ from the extra inches. Then at a later date you can up grade what you have as money becomes available. Just get a good 350 to start with. If you need a good 350 let me know I have several rebuilds.

 

Swapping engines shouldn't be too hard. A 350 or a 383 will both bolt in where your 305 sits. You will have to upgrade the fuel injection or you could go carb.

For the transmission, either keep your auto or find a T56. A T5 will not last long behind a 350 let alone a 383. There is reason GM never stuck them behind the 350 from the factory in the F-bodies.

 

I went with sbc 406 from karl.performance ,they got the new version for 4000.00 ,.1000.00 for a th350 .,save a lot bye going carbed ,you could look for a more powerful 305 ,they can.build them to make .400hp for the road is all you need ,you could get the version I got for 3500.00 458tlbs 413hp ,if your going with new parts you can build.. one for about $6000.00 ,an doing the work yourself used or rebuilt could cost .as much ,its all up to you if you realy like the car an its solid

 

The car is carb'd at the moment.
I have someone who would be able to help me with the actual swap. He (re)builds cars in his spare time.
Thank you all for the advice.
Normally i would find another car, but this one in particular is special as it was my best friend's car prior to his death.