BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Hello TGO,
For a while I have been having some problem with my current 305 engine in my camaro. But evereytime I am thinking of doing the engine swap I have some questions about what type of engine to choose. I have talked with some member on this site for some ideas but still can't decided. Anyways I am offer a 305 HO rebuild engine for $725 but don't know if it is a good deal. Then on the other hand I would like to modify a 305 to make some more power but I am also thinking on modifying a 350 but don't know what to do.
The place that sells me the engine is called unitedengines.com which is close to where I live by and they offer some thing that I can do such as change the cam for a different one and other things also just depends what you want
Right now I on a buget of $1000 to $1200 with includes the purchase of a engine.
Some option I have are
*getting a 305 HO L69 for $725
*getting a 305 or 350 for $595 both stock
*also I can get a short block and modify the heads and add a better cam
I was wondering if anyone can get me some advice on what to choose and the modd I can go with to make some power.
Also would like to have it emission legal and would like to keep my stock carb set up.
Thanks
Valentin

SSC

Well lets look at it this way a 305 and 305 HO LG4 and L69 arent great there is no way a L69 is worth more $$$ then an LG4 or a 350 thats kinda lame lol. Of course unless you want a number matching kinda deal.....
Anyway the 350 even a stockish low output one will have as much or more power then a L69 more tq out of the box hands down. With your budget try this. Get the 350 have them install a better cam and call it good. Even if they were to use a cheap MTC-1 rv cam it it its going to outperform the HO 305.

Ivelostcontact

iTrader: (1)

I like the 305 H.O., but I'm biased. I'd love to have a freshly rebuilt one. Like he said tho, the 350 would be a better all around performer.

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Do you guy think a 350 with a 9.5 to 1 compression is good and how do you increse the compression

Ivelostcontact

iTrader: (1)

9.5.1 ratio will allow pump gas, pretty sure it's what I run. I think 10 and above require premium. To up the compression you have to find heads with smaller combustion chambers I do believe or have yours Milled from what I've read on this site. Still new to the subject myself. I've also head something about head gasket thickness but I don't believe it changes the compression ratio enough to worry about.

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

I will be planning of getting the 350 and ask the people to change the camshaft, also if i were to change the crank what difference would it make in power

Ivelostcontact

iTrader: (1)

That my friend is a bit out of my league to answer, sorry. I think when you change the crank and bore is how you make a stroker motor. I could be wrong tho.

ploegi

What change did you have in mind? Longer/Shorter stroke? (making the engine larger/smaller displacement-wise, respectively) Going to a forged piece instead of the cast unit?

If you want a longer stroke, you have to change the rods and pistons as well. Same goes for shorter. Simply going to a forged piece will not make the engine any more powerful, just more durable.

SSC

I wouldent worry about the compression 9:1 is perfect street compression. The crank like mentioned unless you plan on going to a stroker crank isnt going to do anything and then the extra cubes are going to be limited by heads and all that takes you well out of the budget your in. Just have them change the cam to a sniffer legal peice since I see your in CA and install a set of valve springs to match and call it good. Down the road if your run into a little more cash then go all out.

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the help everyone. I will just get the 350 and tell them to change the cam and valve spring to hopefully make some more power

Natedagr8won

I've gotta 88' Trans Am with a 78' Chevy 350 with a 400 crank (383 stroker) and mild cam. It's very nice. I am actually swapping to a set of HO 305 Heads to bump up compression. I would recommend the 350 for sure. You can make tons of power relatively cheap on them. All you need is a lil time with a grinder to port and polish, and a lil skill. What do you think you can get me a set of 305 HO heads for?

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Has anyone in here worked with crane cams. I found one in jegs performance that is emission legal and works with computer control car. Just want to know if anyone know if this type of cam would work well with the 350.
Also someone told me that if I go with that crane cam and the 350 I am gonna have to reprogram the ecm. Would that be true
Also Natedrgr8won if you are looking for a set of heads I could give you the number of the place so you can call them, that way you can ask them in case you have some extra question
Let me know
Thanks

SSC

That depends most will work with no modifications since your running a carb makes life a little easyer. You would benifit from getting a prom to match the cam profile for slightly better power. Ive just never had the greatest luck with the computer controlled stuff

Natedagr8won

Yah I'd appreciate that number if you can give it to me bro. I was supposed to fix her yesterday and the heads I had fell through. So, Im still on the hunt for a good set that I DONT have to do VALVE GUIDES in. Seems to be the problem with all of em. N e wayz, Thanks again bro

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Natedagr8won
I send you a pm of the info that you wanted of the engine place

doc

Since you are going to spend money anyway you go, I would option up and invest in a 383. Be done with the guess work and buy the bigger engine. It will surely put a bigger smile on your face!!!!!

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

I mite take you on that offer in putting in a 383. Right now I am just waiting to move to my house in adelanto, ca. Over there I have a 3 car garage in which gives me a lot of space to work on my cars but saddly I am living here in a apartment with a small garage in long beach, ca due to my job. As soon as I move over there I mite get another camaro and do the 383 swap.

Thanks everyone for the help you guys gave me
I appriciate it