Hello all,

Just recently joined. Found this forum while looking for info on el caminos, (almost everytime I googled something a topic here popped up). Anyway, thought I'd introduce myself again and ask for some advice from the local elky owners.

First, loved el caminos since my dad's when I was in high school. Unfortunately he left a tv in the front seat and it melted ... he sold it shortly after. So after driving an audi that drove me nuts for about 5 years I'm back in a chevy. And not a bad one at that :D

I first picked up a 79 but sold it shortly after when I found my current car, a 1984 SS about a month ago. I'll post some pics below.

I've fixed it up a bit, but now my engine is leaking oil bad. So I'm looking to either rebuild my 305 or replace it with a 350. Also, I believe I should replace the carb as the car generally takes at least 3 times to start, and then sometimes has a hard time 'catching'. Or should I just replace everything? I'm trying to stay below $2000 on parts. I'll take more pictures of the car under the hood when I get a chance, but basically I think I'm best off changing the entire engine, not just the block.

So, long story short, rebuild the 305, or upgrade to 350? Anyone know a good shop for restoring engines, or, anyone have an engine for sale in the area? :D I'm looking to keep this puppy as a daily driver, no crazy tricking out, just want her to roar when I put on the gas without knowing that I'm leaving a trail of oil behind.

Also, pretty new to working on cars, only done the basic oil changes and replacing tires before. I'm learning as quick as I can though!

Here's some pics of my 84 btw :D

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh268/thecryp/elcamino/elky3-1.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh268/thecryp/elcamino/elky2-1.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh268/thecryp/elcamino/elky1-1.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh268/thecryp/elcamino/elky4-1.jpg

-Red

If it's only leaking Get a gasket set pull the engine and replace the gaskets. Tune or rebuild the carb (might just need a good cleaning) and you be way under budget if you diy. If you just want an excuse to drop a 350 in it do it but I'd guess you'll spend twice as much.

Nice cruck, take care of her.

Welcome RedTampa and if you motor is well enough for a run from Tampa to Bradenton , please come out and join us at the National Muscle Car Assoc. Show ( racing ,vendors , car show , jet cars etc ) . Hopefully about 15 of us are attending the National Muscle Car Show in Bradenton Mar. 19 and 20 . Would be nice if some of our knowledgeable members will take a look at your Camino and give an opinion ? Hope you received our welcome letter . More info at www.nmcadigital.com (http://www.nmcadigital.com) .

Welcome RedTampa, sweet looking elk.

Hey all, thanks for the kind words. It's the front main seal that's leaking oil in my 305 btw.

I got your messege but had trouble replying Lenny. I'll definately try to make it, although my work schedule might get in the way. What time does the show start and end on sat? I probably have to work until 5. I'll definately be at the car show at wiregrass this weekend (I live up the street from it and work there).

-Red

Greatings from the Palm Harbor area You have at least 3 coastal ELky's going to the NMCA both days.
The show is 9AM to 5PM both Sat and Sun with awards and activity all day both days. So if you can't make it Sat come on down Sun. You should have no trouble finding use on the car show field are.

Link to more info www.NMCAdigital.com (http://www.NMCAdigital.com)

Welcome and great looking cruck!

:beer:

welcome aboard nice looking cruck !!!:smileyb:

Thanks again for the kind words all. I think I'm going with a crate 350 from Jegs. http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance/809/10067353K1/10002/-1 Not finding many other better deals, and don't have the engine know-how to do it myself. My mechanic says he'll pull the old one and drop in the crate for around $800. Fair price?

And unfortunately I can't make the show on the 19th and 20th. I work too much, and always have to work Saturdays, only getting off a sunday in a blue moon. By the time I'm out it'd be over. :( Oh well, hopefully I can catch a few of you this sat.

-Red

welcome to elkyland from indian rocks beach!

if you are just leaking oil you can save a ton of dough by just doing bottom seals and gaskets, that 305 will go a lot of miles. this past summer i replaced mine at 216K miles, it was still running nice i just wanted a new 350 in it.

why let somebody else do your engine and have all the fun? do it yourself, it may take a while but it's a gas!

when i did mine i researched the beans out of it (ask 464elky, it drove him up a wall to see me doing all the cyphering i was doing) and i went to a LOT of shops over here in pinellas county and also over there in hillsborough county. i didn't find anybody i'd feel comfortable giving the car to. i got mine from summit because they had a special going on - i think it was around $1350 - then got an edlebrock manifold and a new q-jet. you'll get a lot of tech help from people right here on this site if you want to dive in.

go to youtube and search 'edonthebeach' a lot of vids will come up for you of various elkys around here, as well as vids of my car getting a new engine installed by me. it was a gas!

Welcome from the atlantic coast! Jegs had the best price when I bought my motor too. It showed up quick also.

ED can probably sell his documentery and has some very neat paint both mods and is one of a few guys with a paint drying room in his house now that's a real gear head.:nanawrench:

Don't forget Sterlingsilver is an engine builder. I'm working on getting my Silverado over to him for a rebuild right now. :nanawrench:

Welcome nice elk .I could help you out with the motor .If you can get it to orlando .Ill take good care of a fellow club member .message me ill give you my number.either way hope to meet you in person soon .

Welcome aboard, Nice El Camino. Doug