so i dont have the cash for a crate motor like i intended, but i'm looking for a project to do over winter for my 78, is it worth taking out my 305 and restoring/rebuilding it? or should i just look for a used 350 and spend my time on that?

current 305

 

just find a 350 block, look at pull a parts.

 

You can get a 350 block and just have larger valves installed in your 305 head and use them with the 350.

 

350 blocks are somewhat easy to come by here, seen a couple on craigslist in the past few months. what other parts are salvageable/interchangeable on my 305 to use with the new block?

and thanks for the replies and input

 

Heads, intake, carb, fuel pump, motor mounts.... If you can find a short block 350 you'd be in business.

 

yep... pretty much everything not inside the block.

 

Best not to use the 305 heads on the 350. The 305 heads are the weak point that stops the 305 from making good HP unless you have the seats replaced with 2.02"/1.60" seats and larger valves. Really better to see if you can find a good running vehicle that you can drive or at least listen to, and then buy the 350 engine from it. If it's good enough you can drop it right in your Camaro and roll.
I see them all the time around $500 complete and rrunning in the car or truck. Truck engines are better as they often are 4 bolt mains and double roller chains.

 

bringing up an old post here,

does it matter what year a 350 is from to work in my 78?

found a 350 longblock from an 87 iroc, just making sure if it would work or not, did these motors change over the years, besides the carb/fuel injection?

 

It's still a Gen 1 style block, so it'll work. As far as making it perform how you want, that's up to you.

 

The heads changed in 1987. The 2 intake manifold bolts in the center on each side of the carburetor go straight down rather than on an angle. You would have to get a manifold for the later heads or as I've seen, drill the intake manifold holes to accept the 87+ heads. That wouldn't be my choice. I'm assuming that the 87 came with EFI. Also the rear main seal switched to a one piece but that isn't a big deal.