Hey, Im new to v8 f-bodys. Ive had my 86 z for a week, and I threw a connecting rod while racing . I have little money to put into a motor, what do you guys suggest that I do? I know a guy that has a 305 from a 1985 pickup and he says he will give it to me for $200 with 95k on it. and I also know a guy with a 350 in the same shape for the same price. Would either of those be a smart move for a 17 year old kid on a strict budget? Is it ok to put a 350 in front of a t5 tranny? any input or help would be greatly appreciated !!!

 

That truck 305 is not what you want. Get the 350, it will cost the same or even be cheaper then building a 305.

 

as long as you dont go hog wild with power adders the t5 will hold up for quite a while with no problems

 

get the 350 but if its an 85 truck motor compression will be low so I would swa over your heads as they are most likely 416 or 081's and those are very good heads compared to any smogger low compression truck head from the 80's

 

in which case Ill talk to the guy with the 350 today. If I remember right he said it was a 4 bolt main high compression motor.

 

what kind (year) 350?? Could make a big difference.

 

high compression motor, did he build it for performance?

 

Yeah, find out exactly what all is in that engine. If it's a high compression motor, then he might have different heads on it. BTW is he seeling you just the block, or the whole assembly from oil pan to intake?

 

Yeah, find out exactly what all is in that engine. If it's a high compression motor, then he might have different heads on it. BTW is he seeling you just the block, or the whole assembly from oil pan to intake?


The guy wasnt home today, but I know he just pulled it out of the car/truck and was gonna put it in an el camino. I dont believe it has the intake on it. and Im almost certain they are the stock heads.

 

I hope you are planning on at the very least new gaskets, timing chain, rings, and valve stem seals.
Please don't make the same mistake I did and rush through it. You'll be sorry just like I am now (leaking valve stem seals..)

 

on any used engine you want to spend the money on a good gasket kit and replace e\/erything it comes with its worth the time and money for sure

 

I think I may just pull out my 305 and rebuild it from oil pan all way up to carb. Of course putting in a few mods while Im at it

 

I think I may just pull out my 305 and rebuild it from oil pan all way up to carb. Of course putting in a few mods while Im at it

 

hey man i think a 305 that has ***** is a beautiful thing

just amagin rasing a lt1 camaro and beating him then saying its only a 305

im building up my lil 305 as well

 

Why would you pull a motor apart just to put new gaskets on it. If it wasnt leaking before just moving it to another vehicle wont make it leak. If you just want something to get you going get the 350 and drive it. You dont have to replace the gaskets on it. If you dont know what you are doing you can torque something wrong and make it leak worse than it would have before. You could even cause bigger problems.

What the hell are you doing racing anyway. 17 and racing a sports car. If you get caught Id be willing to bet it would be a long long time before you ever got to drive again. Take it easy. If you want to race build a car and take it to the track. People who street race are losers who dont have the cojones to take it to the track and run with the big boys. You will only end up killing yourself and maybe taking someone else on the sidelines with you. Dont believe me just go to some street racing forums and look at all the posts about "another racer passed away" or another member arrested for racing posts and it will cure you of the need to street race really quick.
/rant

Get a motor and put it in and drive the car like you have something more than air between your ears. Maybe if you do that the new engine will last you more than a week.

WesDog

 

Why wouldnt you replace the gaskets??? The engine is already out of the car, on a stand, it wont take very long to change the gaskets, and it will ensure that you wont have to do it later. I would much rather change a head gasket, or timing cover gasket on a stand than in a car, but thats just me.

Lighten up, every one likes to race.

 

hey wesdog take it easy man
hes 17 with a thirdgen just like i was and when i was 17 i wanted to race also and did do some "stupid" street racing but i learned quick that there is a time and a place

i go to the track all the time and yet racing on the street is more fun sometimes because its just you and the other guy

i dont go out on public busy streets to race like i used to...thats just stupid and dangerous but if it is on a quite industrial road or highway at 2 int he moring with no cars and no people then its fine and less chance of getting caught as well

are you going to tell me that you never lined up at a light and said lets run to another guy?

you can do it but dont be stupid about it

 

Then just imagine how bad you'll get beat when you pull up along side a LT1 3rd gen, and no matter how many times you say its only a 305, you still got beat.

Make sure whatever motor you get to replace yours is a 86 or newer, otherwise be prepared to go searching for a new flywheel.