ok ive got an 86 iroc with the 305 5.0 TPI...... engines going out i believe and im looking at either having it rebuilt or replaced.. im seeing that most say to upgrade to the 350 sooo.... would it cost about the same to replace with either the 305 or 350?.... also will ALLof the externals.. i.e. brackets, PS, A/C... etc...bolt directly onto the 350?...... And finally what are your suggestions for a fairly cheap engine that would suit my needs.... dont need a race car but want to get up and go when i need to....

Cost is typically close to the same. Sometimes the 350 will be less*.

Brackets et al are exactly the same. The only differences between a 305 & 350 TPI are injector size, knock sensor, ECM tuning, and of course the engine internals. Other differences relate to the year of the engine, not whether it's a 305 or 350 (centerbolt vs. perimeter bolt valve cover, one or two piece rear main seal, flat tappet or roller lifters, driver or passenger side dipstick, all intake mount bolts at same angle or center two on each side at 72 degrees, etc.).

These guys produce a good product for a decent price http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/...05109352371.2b . Add shipping to the price, figure on eating the core charge because shipping your old engine back would cost more than you'd get back for the core refund.

(*Case in point: Look at what they charge for an '86 305 vs the '86 350 above http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/...53109383571.bb )

Go with a 350, just get a block from another car and have it bored .30 over and rebuilt. If it runs really well you don't even have to tear into it if you dont want to, though I would recommend replacing essential gaskets while you have it out.

and if i chose to go with the 350 i would basically need the engine, a few odds and ends and an ecm tuning correct?... everything off of my 305 would bolt on aside from injectors and a cpl sensors?

hmm if anyone knows of a good turn key 350 lemmie know... even easier lol...

The only 305 thing that really needs to be changed is the knock sensor. The rest will "work" on a 350. The injectors and tune don't absolutely have to be changed.