Hey, how ya doing everyone? Im a new member to this sight, I drive a 1986 Chevy IROC Z Z28 with a 305 and a 5speed transmission. My plans for the car are simple, I plan on building a 350 and completely reduing the car. My main question however that I have been contemplating myself is, should I drop the 350 in it or rebuild the 305? Ive been told if I want to mess around and have fun with it that I should put the 350 in because the 305 doesnt offer that much power, but is there a way to build the 305 to push a decent amount of horsepower? And in your opinions is it even worth it? I appreciate everyones time taken to read this, and even more so to those who respond. Thank you.

 

A 305 is a waste of money to build honestly. a 350 will give you way more power and satisfaction for the the same amount of money. If your car is tuned port you will need a 350 prom chip for the computer.

 

Nah its CARB not TPI. So you suggest the 350 as well? What about rebulding the 305 just incase something goes wrong with the 350?

 

welcome

and WOW

to be able to rebuild 2 engines correctly and spend the money needed for it to be done correctly is quite a tidy sum. Why would you think a rebuilt SBC (who cares about displacement) requires a hot spare engine to be stored and fogged properly and available for quick replacement should the properly rebuilt/built SBC dies?

Why couldn't it give years and years of trouble free service?

And about rebuilding the car; you're going to spend more on properly restoring/updating the interior and exterior than you will doing the mechanicals. You'll spend significant time removing bushings (all of them) and press fitting new ones. You could assemble a couple engines in the time it takes to finally get bushings off and replaced but we always focus on the engine because of the macho affect. ( how many car shows have you attended where you ask the owner about the suspension or interior first?)


Also, mechanicals for SBC's are everywhere. Good interior components for 3rd gens, including weatherstripping,not so much unless you have an arm and a leg to spare.

go to 3rd gen projects and read my "budget restoration"

I was able to get some great deals on interior pieces and upholstery because when i found them, I did not log onto a forum asking if they were great deals. I grabbed them immediately and brought them home despite not needing many of the pieces for over 6 months.

That is why you create a plan. Instead of looking at the project as one step at a time the big picture keeps you sharp so if you see an item which you will need, at a great price, you nab it.

tips

A: make a plan

B: review your plan

C: make a budget ( you do this by calling machine shops, shopping parts etc and getting labor costs for what you can't do and do not underestimate a good paint job unless you can REALLY do it yourself) this is the stage where you do not waste people's time asking about stroker kits and big HP when you only have $1500 for the engine portion.

D: now make a realistic budget

E: modify your plan to fall in line with the realistic budget

F: begin


ps- do you notice a repetitive theme about having a plan with realistic budget

 

Like torque is good mentioned a plan and a budget is key and a top proirity. as far as your budget goes when you have a figure add at least two grand to that. And again that 305 would make a really good boat anchor so don't waste your time rebuilding it. especially a carbed 305. That's a total dog motor.

 

Ill be sure to keep all of this in mind. Thank you both for your time and opinions I appreciate it and will keep you up to date on what happens. Thank you again.

 

you now have to post more and there is nothing wrong with posting a bunch of before pictures including interior, under the hood (not just the engine) and tell us about any tell-tale drips you notice after the car is parked

one of the benefits of a close forum community like this one is that folks are more forthcoming with sharing deals they stumbled across

 

First, welcome, I am relatively new here myself. Do you have any pics of your car? You got some good advice here already but it would be helpful if we could take a look at your new ride!

 

Be careful when you get to building that engine. You're gonna find it costs a lot more than you think it will. I did a swap on mine last year, I figured between the engine, the performance parts, and the swap itself, I'd be looking around $4000.

I actually spent $10,000.

In your case, you'd be wise to think about a transmission as well. GM never put the T5 behind a 350 because it wasn't strong enough. If you stick with the same transmission, expect to be replacing it at some point.

 

Wow 10k!!! Man you could've got a camaro for every gen almost