hey everyone

Im currently deicding on an engine for my 78 cabalerro and i been beating myself up over what to choose .. 305 or 350 ... will it be under powerd with a 305? or will a 350 be just dandy? i dont know much about engines im still learning i do know tha 350's eat a little more gas then 305's but the also have more power ugh i dunno what to do can someone help me ? thanks



Dan

350, no question! Why spend the same amount building a 305 when there so many more opportunities to get more out of the 350. Just my .02

...or will a 350 be just dandy?
Go with the handy, dandy 350. You'll be much happier with the extra horsepower.

350. For sure. I have a 305 and although it has low milage and i havent replaced it. The valve guide seals were wore out and it is just much better to rebuild a 350 and make it better.

Build the 305...you know so you can be differant :lol:

Never been a fan of that 305 engine. If you have narrowed your debate down to it and the 350...the latter is much better. Just my $0.02

350 is the way to go.

Hello Dan
Get the 350
I went throw the same thing...Here is what I did.
Click on link 350 (http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/bowtie/bowtie.html)


Photos (http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/452426)

If you have either one to build, you can't go wrong with the 350. If you went the 305 route, I think you'd regret it later. FWIW...

most def the 350 or if ur wallet is fat then go for the the 383.

The 305 is one of the worst V8 engines that Chevy ever made from a performance point of view (although the 307 might have been worse). The bore is too small to use any decent heads without completely shrouding the valves esp. the intake. It costs no more to rebuild a 350 (in fact it's less expensive), the 350 doesn't weigh any more, and has way more performance potential. The only disadvantage is that it might use a little more gas.

Given the choice, I'd go with the 350. Yes it will use more gas, but not much more as long as you stay mild not wild. Start by building yourself a 4 bolt main shortblock with maybe 9.5-1 or 10-1 compression as a base. You can always add to it. The 305 is a slug. Although it can be made to modestly perform with the right pieces. I have a 305 TPI roller cam motor that I might try building for performance just to see what it will do in an F-body.

hey thanks everyone i think its settled i will go for a 350 .... now i gotta find one 8O



Dan

might give some consideration to a crate engine.

A good "driver 350" will get pretty close to the same mileage as your 305 and in some cases it will do better actually. I think the 305s last better than other larger displacement SBCs but I think that is because people don't abuse them near as much. But then I could be wrong.

305 is nothing to get real excited about. But I had the choice once myself and opted for the 350 (355 CID actually). Be easy on the cam and keep the compression to about 9.5 add as many roller items as you can afford and you'll end up with a good street engine that has good pep, and pretty good mileage. Add an Overdrive and you have a really nice combination that will get better than 18 Mpg.

Its not what a 4 banger will get then its also not as ugly as the vehicles that those 4 bangers go into either.

Just my input on the deal.

most def the 350 or if ur wallet is fat then go for the the 383.

They cost the same to build. I have both.

I agree with pete,the 383's are the same cost,if you shop and do some parts looking,the 383 can be mild or wild,with a good roller cam,decent heads (stock modified work well) a easy 500+ horse motor for the "heavy" el camino is just what its looking for,and yes a 350 can make the same power,just better heads,cam,compression,ect will get it there! Good Luck with your build. 8)

:D The 350 is definitely the way to go. I just installed a 350 crate with a 650 Holley carb, headers, and a 400 turbo transmission, and the performance is so much better. The fuel economy is similar to the 6 cylinder I took out of my '82(mostly because I had lost compression on one cylinder and was rapidly losing compression on another). I'm just trying to work the bugs out of it now, but it runs great and provides all the power I need to get up and down these Kentucky hills. It cost quite a bit extra to refit from the six banger, but it was worth it.

I like 305's on a chain, attached to a boat.

-Eric

i have a 305 in my '83 elky and i havent had any major problems with it,only old parts wearing out but other than that its been a good motor. but i probably wouldnt build one up. so i would go with a 350 to build up.

If your going throught all the work to take the sucked out 305 out you would be much better off putting in a new more power full 350 .