Opinions on a 305 bored .030 over

[79 Caballero]

Ok, so its gonna be down the road some time before I have the money to do this, but I've constantly said I would put a 350 in. However, I currently have a 305 with less than 15000 miles on it and I dont really want to replace an engine so new. So what are yall's opinions, would it be worth it to bore it and get bigger crank and longer rods. Also, bored over, would that make a 327 or 332 stroker. Just a thought, any opinions or info from somebody who knows more about this than me would be appreciated. Thanks.

[sandblaster]

Bored .30 over = 310 cubic inches. Not too sure that the crack would work the block would have to be modified. On a 305 not really worth spending too much $$$$$$. Unless the parts you buy will be swapped over to the 350 engine..

[Flaminmeano]

Save your money

[matty man]

if it is a stroker you want, go with the 383 from a 350, the 305 will run ok with some trick parts but IMO your money will be spent better with the 383 kit. Go price a engine kit 350 vs the 305 the cost will go up as least 100.00+ for the 305,, performance wise I think the 383 will do better, matty man

[kloudryder50]

Heads and upper breathing will restrict you a bunch and if you upgrade these your bottom end might not live thru it, there is a reason even GM went to another block and crank and heads to make it run and last

[toms84ss]

Run the 305 and find a builder 350 and go from there. 305's are OK for drivers. But the small bore size limits the power out put when you try to hot rod them. You just can't get big valves in there to get the airflow you need to make big power. Start with a 350 and don't look back. Good roller blocks are available along with Vortec heads for a good running engine on the cheap. You could get 400 HP from a set up like that and still be a reliable driver.

['81ELKYSS]

If you rebuild your already new 305, then you wont want to save up for a 350 cause you went through the trouble to rebuild that 305.... again. Drive your car with the 305, built yourself a nasty 383 and then when your done with it drop it in. Save your 305 for a day when something might go wrong with 383, or sell it.

[jk flash]

The difference in price between a 332 stroker kit and a 383 is only about $100. I agree with the above posts, just get the 350 and built a wicked smallblock. you can get SO much more out of a 383 for the same amount of money. I was thinking about doing 332 just to say I did, but now I plan on building a 383 and not looking back.

[SsUpPoErRt]

The 305 vis a good engine. It will get you there and get you back. But no power house. If your gonna put that kinda money into it go with the 350 block.

SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!! 3-5 are only meant to be driven around and not to be fast engines. JUst drive it around and then buy your self a 350 or a 400 small block and work from there. Best options on the block in my option

[MIke76]

Great advice, keep the 305, buy a 350 and take your time and build it. Then when your ready, not stress.

[steelybill]

Save your money for "stuff" to use on your next engine. 305 is a small bore engine with very little possible up grades.

I put a Comp Cams 252 cam in my buddy's boat, 305, and it helped get skiers up on the water, but he really needed a 350.

[mnunn]

Originally Posted by toms84ss

Run the 305 and find a builder 350 and go from there. 305's are OK for drivers. But the small bore size limits the power out put when you try to hot rod them.

I agree with you Tom.

79 Cab,

It sounds like you're torn between two goals (a reliable, inexpensive driver engine and a SBC performance engine). In your circumstances, you'll need to decide which is more important to you. The 305 with only 15K miles on it will very likely provide you with another 100K or more economical (but less than thrilling) miles. On the other hand, a fresh crate 400 HP 383 long block can be had for less than 3K or 4K and will turn those future miles into much more enjoyable ones (IMO).

What I wouldn't do is put big $$ into modifying the low mileage 305. I'd sell it to someone in need of a reliable engine and use the proceeds to offset my 383 purchase.

Your call, but I think you'll be happier when you decide which aspect (Economy or thrill) is more important to you.

Either way, you'll win.

Mike