Hi guys,
I recently bought a 1981 Camaro and it "runs" I've put some $$ into it to get it running well enough to move around and hop to a shop and back. Not something I'd trust to take on a highway or any sort of distance. It's puking oil out of every possible location (both engine and trans).

I'm at the point where I need to decide if its less complicated and makes more sense financially to ditch the 305 thats rusty, leaky and doesn't run the best to a cleaned up 350/355/383 if I can find one cheap enough and a rebuilt trans.

What does everyone think? The stock 305 is caked in surface rust and oil and limping along. Do I spend to rebuild or replace? I can't afford new - I am raffling this car off next summer so I need to do things as budget as possible.

Lastly, I thought my 81 came with a 350TH transmission but someone (in a parking lot so with a grain of salt) said it came with something else and the 350TH was third gen (82-92)? What transmission is in it most likely? It shifts fine just leaks. If it's a TH350, I'd probably refurbish it and keep it.

Thanks and looking forward to your thoughts,
Jordan

 

That 305 is a boat anchor,toss it overboard mate.
They're not worth rebuilding and the trans is likely a T-200 a lighter version of the T-350 and not as strong.
It will be okay with a stock 350 but if you buy or build a motor with some power you'll want to upgrade that as well.
I have a '75 350 from a pickup and a T-350 still bolted up to it.
It ran when pulled but the motor is stuck from years of sitting,probably rusted up but it would be a good core for a rebuilt.
It's still hooked to a T-350 trans that worked when pulled,I'd give them to you free if you're nearby.

 

Hey Thanks for the reply! For some reason I didn't see a notification in my email.

I'm up in Northern Ontario Canada but I do appreciate the offer! I agree and I'm going to take your advice, I think I am just going to donate it to a mechanic school once I find a suitable replacement.

 

Well good luck,shouldn't be hard to find a 350 they made millions of them.

 

Deciding to go LS swap. Searching for parts now. Man Canada is so much more expensive than the States. I live near the border but its basically Rural America so I am going to have to figure out how to ship to somewhere near the border where I can drive over to grab things. I need a ton of parts and you guys in the south have things for like half price haha.

 

Well the LS is a great engine design,it'll be a lot more work but a sweet setup when finished up.
Maybe you can find a donor car '98-'02 Z28 up there that runs good but raggedy otherwise and save big then just get the swap kit parts here in the USA.
Good luck and keep us posted.