WS6Formula305

Here's what I'm looking at. I priced out parts to fix my 305's exhaust valve seal/valve slap problems (rebuilding stock heads vs. new heads + valve train) and the new parts are running up to $2000. And, my motor has 156k miles on it. My mechanic believes there is a distinct possibilty the bottom end might blow with the new heads on it, because the old heads have lost some compression over the years and he's uncertain as to how well the old pistons/rings will take the higher compression again.

So, worst case there is $2000 in new parts follwed by another $2k in rebuild parts.

Other option: I was looking through Scoggin-Dickey's performance parts catalogue and stumbled upon a beautifully tempting looking motor:

Compression Ratio: 9.6 to 1
Duration @ .050" I/E: 218/228
Lift I/E: 0.525"/0.525"
Block: Cast Iron 2-bolt, 1 Piece Rear Seal
Crank: 3.480", Nodular Iron
Heads cc: Vortec, 64cc
Intake: SDPC TPI Vortec Baseplate

On top of this I'd add SLP's intake runners; $259 (gaskets & bolts another $40). I'll need new injectors; Summit has 30lb/hr Accel's for $249.95. Where can I find prices on SVT injectors? I've been told they're cheap and will do the job just fine. Cheap and viable is a very good combination I could reuse the plenum off my 305... Does the stock TPI setup come with a 52mm or a 48mm TB? If it's 48mm I'll need a new throttle body as well. I'll need a new knock sensor. Other than that I can use the stock wiring harness from the 305, correct? I'll just need a 350 ECM to control the TPI setup.

From my limited knowledge, this apears to be what I'll need:

-That motor
-Knock sensor
-SLP runners
-Reuse 305 plenum
-Higher flow injectors (Accel or SVT?)
-Throttle body? (Depending on diamter of stock one)
-New ECM with 305 wiring harness harness


Will the starter, alternator and other accessories off of my 305 bolt right up and work with this motor? A/C should be fine, right? How about the pulley assemblies from the 305? If my old accessories won't work I could probably get the beefier versions core exchange and possibly even a 1:1 exchange through the shop so their cost shouldn't be that great.

The motor will go in front of the 305 headers, but they flow just a little less than the 350 headers from SLP do; it shouldn't be that big of a restriction (at least that's the concensus of the people I've talked to so far; the 305 headers are 1 5/8" and the 350 headers are 1 3/4" IIRC). New headers probably won't fit the budget. As it is I'm already over, but this looks to be the most sensible option at this point.

I'll need new plugs and wires too, of course, but I'm looking for all the big name mechanical items. Any help at all would be much appreciated.

I hope I can get this motor; it looks like a pretty exciting prospect. Who could resist a 350, 350hp and 400lb/ft over the 200/300 they've been driving for the past 2 years?

Btw, I'm running a 700R4 and a 3.23/posi rear, if that'll help at all.

ontogenesis

unless your just using this exhaust bs as an excuse to go to a different engine, you can buy 305 heads in good contition all day long for under 500 (500 would be redone performance heads)...i dunno if your mechanic is just charging out the *** for labor or what, but head swaps aren't hard to do, if your at all mechanically inclined and fairly organized, you could do it yourself...

WS6Formula305

The motor already suffers from a minor amount of valve slap. The exhaust valve seals are leaking oil so the car belches oil on startup every once in a while. It's getting worse; we were going to take care of it before I go to college so it's not a problem any more.

The approx. $2000 figure for the 305 parts is as follows:

-Crane Roller 1.5 gold roller rockers: $299.95
-Valve springs & retainers: $97.95
-Crane 2032 CompuCam: $269.95
-Hydraulic lifters: $169.95
-Adj. Fuel Press.: $66.95
-Roller timing chain & gear asmbly: $99.95
-Bare casting S/R Torquer 305's: $259.95*2 for a total of $591.90
-Manley Race-Flo valves, intake & exhaust (1.940 and 1.500): $152.00

That works out to $1748.60 for the parts. Even after all of that it's still a 305, and it still has 156k miles on the clock, with no warranty if the bottom end won't handle the higher compression ratio again (depending on how much the current heads have lost after 14 years). It might be fine, it might not.

The crate motor has 0 miles, a warranty, and it the benefit of cubic inches. It's looking like the better long term investment.

90Formula-X-F

If your gonna go that route you want to go to the 350

WS6Formula305

Can you give me any help on the reuse of pieces? Like the 305's TB, plenum and accessories? Is the 305 starter enough for the 350?

90Formula-X-F

I found some early big valve heads, ported and polished them myself, Got a new cam and lifters, 1.6 ratio roller rockers, cranked my fuel pressure up to 50 lbs, ported my intake manifold and plentum and gotr a 52 mm throttle body, I have a det of runners coming monday or tuesday but even with my ported runners it was way quick. Everything else interchanged....



* Ported & Polished Cylinder Heads 993 castings
* 2.02 & 1.6 Manley Pro-Flo Valves
* Crane Valve Springs and Retainers
* G.M.P.P. Ram Jet Roller Cam Part # 14097395
* New Crane Roller Lifters
* Harland Sharp 1.6 Ratio Roller Rockers
* 52MM Holley Throttle Body
* Edelbrock Runners ( Not In Picture )
* Ported and Gasket Matched Intake Plentum, Runners and Manifold
* Speed Pro/TRW 1.25 Dome Forged Pistons
* Balanced Lower End
* Custom built Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator Set to 50lbs
* Edlebrock Chrome T.E.S. Headers -- 50 State legal --
* High-Flow 3" Cat with 3" Flowmaster Cat Back System