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I HAVE CONSIDERED REBUILDING MY 305-4BL ENGINE AS I LIKE ITS PERFORMANCE AND IT GETS GOOD GAS MILAGE FOR A V8. . . BUT, THE EXPENSE OF A REBUILD IS ALMOST THE COST OF A NEW CRATE MOTOR. . WHAT THE REAL QUESTION IS, IF I BOUGHT SAY A GM 290 OR A 330 HP CRATE MOTOR, I HAVE TO REINSTALL MY ELECTRONIC CONTROLLED COMPONENTS BACK PLUS THE EXAUST MANIFOLD, ETC. . . . I''M AFRAID THAT LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN TODAYS WORLD INTERCHANGBILITY OF PARTS MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS. . . SO BUYING A COMPLETE 350-350HP MOTOR MAY MAKE MORE SENSE IN THE LONG RUN . . . . WHAT ARE YOU GUYS EXPERIENCES IN THIS AREA. . . . I'M TOO OLD AND TOO CHEAP NOT TO DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. . . . BARRY-MARYLAND
Small block Chevy engines all used the same casting for the blocks (305 - 400). The difference was in the cylinder bore size and heads used for each application.
Your 305, while a good daily driver engine, probably won't produce the same amount of hp/torque that a 350 or 400 will produce without a lot of modifications. So if gaining HP is your goal, your better off with a 350 or 400. They use the same engine mounts, brackets, and accessories which will help keep your costs down if you decide to do a swap. I'm not saying you can't make a 305 go fast, but a 350 is a better starting platform.
If all you want is a dependable driver, but aren't concerned about high HP gains, you can stick a few dollars into a rebuild kit and freshen up your 305.
As for crate motor vs rebuilding, that will depend on your wallet and watch. I had the time and money to build my own, but it cost me twice as much as a crate engine (I replaced everything but the engine block). But I really wanted this car to be all my own design and workmanship, so I took the rebuild route. If you need to reuse the emissions equipment, you shouldn't have any trouble transfering it to a crate motor. _________________
1981 Chevy El Camino
1991 Chevy S10
"The only thing collecting dust in my garage... is my broom"
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