I have a 87 Trans am with a 305, all #s matching, but i was wondering how much power will i be able to get out of that 305, i mean it needs a rebuild, got a 112,000 on the odo, hoping the block is ok, but how much power will i get out of that motor before like nitrous or forced induction, or should i swap and go to a 350 or 400. just let me know what u think later......

 

Yes

 

IMO, if you gotta pull out the 305, you might as well replace it with a 350. The cost of getting a 350 core in the same condition as your 305 is almost nothing. They are cheap. And a 350 is cheaper to build than a 305 anyway. So you'd be bucks and hp ahead to build a 350.

 

A 305 would have to have been criminally neglected to need a rebuild with 112,000 miles.

Why do you think it needs a rebuild?

I applied the mods in the sig to the shortblock when it had 141k on it. It's about to turn over 165k 2-1/2 daily driving years later. Estimated rear wheel horsepower based on conversion of drag strip performance is 245.

If you really need to pull pistons, here's my take on what the responders above have said: https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=255367

 

IMHO (as long as the 305 is good running condition), focus on it's appearance first... and save you're pennies for a future swap, while using her for you're transportation needs.

 

Yeah ur right, if i do swap i can get a 400 pretty cheap for 13xx bout the same as a 350 but ill prob keep the 305 in it get some new wheels once i get my exhaust done, putting headers on it tommorow........ Im trying to get my hands on like a 89-90 5.0 love fords too, not trying to start a harsh subject but i respect all american cars, im going to be working on them both slowly, thinking of going to a whole build on the 305 and not the overpopulated 350, or i might go to the 400 like i said im just talking now, but maybe i will know in a couple of months. Ive been asking round on h ow much hp i could get but nobody really knows.... got to run, try to get pics up once i get it painted, later.....

 

Just want to build it up and get more hp than 170 and 250 tq out of the motor, you knowi want more like 400hp and 450 tq, on a N/A setup, is that possible?