305s aren't the total dogs people make them out to be. There are more powerful engines and there are easier engines to upgrade, but that doesn't mean they're bad.

I've got 3.73s and an automatic behind mine, she's still fast enough to play with Mustangs that are 21 years newer than she is, and I usually get between 20 and 24 mpg. And that's all done stock, by the way.

 

I'd have to agree with whoever said the 15sec 1/4 time. They are slow. Whether its the 2.8, 305, 0r 350 of that era no matter the fuel delivery system, don't expect a firebreather. Also, I'd check into that "totally restored" 2.8 you found. There are many definitions of restorations and most 3rd gen restos I've seen involve nothing more than a little paint and a pep boys store worth of chrome crap. Be careful or you'll end up with junk, and if you find a good one take your time have fun with it, and don't take the cheap/easy way when doing projects on it. Best of luck!

 

I accept with information:the 2.8 is a dog. pretty much no matter what you do, its not going to perform anywhere near the 305. it is also a bit time consuming to swap from the v6 to a v8.

 

the 305 is quite the performer considering that it was aimed at emissions compliance and not power. mine had 36k on the clock before it let go, but it had some serious issues from neglect. i had one injector stuck open, one exhaust valve that didnt open, and an intake valve that only opened half way. even still, i ran a quarter mile time of 15.204 at 92.24 mph, and managed to peg the 145 mph speedo in only a little over a mile (and my speedo read slow from larger tires). if it was in good operating condition, im betting it would have run closer to 14.8