:?: Hello everyone. I'm looking for opinions/advise. It has come time to repower my 85 elky,it now has a 305. Would like to put in a 350 but at the same time keep it somewhat legal, ( computer.sensors, etc ). Will I be able to keep 305's computer,sensors and just swap everything over?
also will the 350 be able to live up to it's potential?

Also will the 350 be able to live up to it's potential? By potential, what are you expecting? I just dropped a 355 in my 78 Camaro, bored, balance and blue printed. 274 XE comp cam, 3:23 rear end, built 350 turbo, 10:5:1 compression, but it's still streetable (barely)...estimated at 390 hp @ the rear wheels and that's in a 3,600 lb car 8O But then again my engine buddy works for Joe Gibbs...So everything is realitive...

Sounds just like a question a posed on chevytalk a week or two ago, looking to swap out the 305 in my '85 for a 350. Take a look at this link.
http://www.chevytalk.org/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB64&Number=300625&Forum=UBB64&Words=ecm&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=300625&Search=true#Post300625

I started this same quest several years ago before the state eliminated envornmental testing. I used an article in Chevy High Performance that outlined the following changes. You need a 350 Knock sensor, a new Spark Control Module, a set of new secondary jets for the Quadrajet and a custom chip From Jet Performance. Choosing the right intake, with the proper number of places to install all of the vacumn and temperature controlled switches is critical. I have the part numbers for several of the required parts, in fact, I have several of the required parts I never used. Let me know If I can provide either the numbers or actual parts.

Define "legal" and what are you expecting out of a stock 350? IMHO the 350 earned it's rep in factory muscle cars and hot rod rebuilds. I can't see that a stock 305 swap to a stock 350 really gains you that much. Just another stock small block. Does the state that your end REALLY check all that stuff? Here in the part of Texas I live in they don't check anything at all.

I am pulling my 305 June 3rd and installing a 350, but it is anything but legal by say, the State of California's terms, but, Very legal where I live. Hot rodders have done just about anything you can do to a 350, hence it gained a reputation as a very rebuildable and performance enhancable engine.

Just my opinion.

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies. The reason for swapping to a 350 is that the 305 is tired, and a new 350 long block, four bolt mains, pm rods costs less than I can get the machine work & new parts for. I' m not looking for alot more power at this time, but do expect a little more. The plus side is that if I ever wanted to do something more, I have a good foundation to start with. Yes the state does check all the smog equipment for state inspections where I live. elmpala I am interested in the parts and numbers you have. PM me and see what we can work out. Thanks

emissions testing in MA is easy to get through. Know a mechanic who does inspections? a crisply folded $50 bill will get you that sticker ;)

The 350 is sort of like a "Generic PC". Lots of different vendors making all sorts of upgrades some really good some not worth the money. With the proper combination of upgrades a stellar engine will emerge. With the SBC you can create an engine with more than 600 Hp and better than 500 Lb./ft. of toque naturally aspirated. 8-)

I don't believe there is another engine from any other manufacturer that shares the availability of parts, information or examples. Nothing, I believe has bee tested as much or studied so often as the 350 SBC. So given that amount of attention and detail why not go that rout.

Do you have the 350 knock sensor part number?