Hey all,

Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've got an '89 RS 305 convertible, the engine crapped out on me last year. Wanting to get her back up and running in time for spring.

Here's the catch, wife is in school right now and not working so upgrading to a 350 isn't in the cards for a few years. Just looking for a rebuilt 305 short block to get her back on the road. Budget is tight right now, so no high perf. upgrades, dang.

Eventually want to upgrade to a 350 in about 5 years or so. Right now I just want to drive the convertible instead of my puny go-kart Saturn.

Any suggestions on a decent reman supplier? I found a 305 rebuild on ebay from Titan Engines for 650.00.

Any help would be appreciated.

Rob

 

You can get a good remanufactured long block from ATK engines for about 1400.00 with only a 50.00 shipping charge. I would not recommend just replacing the short block without doing the heads also.

 

A 350 short block and a 305 short block are within pennies of each other.

There's some things you can't learn in school. Why it's a bad idea to buy a 305 shortblock to "save money" over a 350 one, probably isn't one of them. If you don't believe me, I guess you'll end up learning it the hard way.

Price them both, and see how stooopid buying a 305 is.

There are thousands of "budget" suppliers. They're pretty much all bad, and you're going to end up with crap, if you simply buy the cheeeeeepest thing that will run. That may sound harsh; but it's also reality. You get what you pay for. Or, more accurately, you get no more than what you pay for. Pay the least, you get the least.

If this is just a toy, I'd strongly recommend waiting until you can afford to do it right, instead of doing something that you'll hate every minute of and that will feel like a waste and a rip-off of whatever money you spend on it. Which, even for the cheeeeeeepest possible short block, is still not insignificant. I'd sure hate to feel like I just threw away many hundreds of dollars on something that's a disappointment. Which is what a cheeep short block will be.

 

WOW! I really like the way you put that, it is SOOOO true!!

I recently got a reman engine for my full size chevy truck. Originally had a Vortec 305, but I went with the 350. Here is how it broke down:

Reman 305 vs Reman 350 = SAME PRICE
Core charge = I had to eat the $300 core for not sending in a 350 (but I still have the original 305 long block)
Labor for the swap = SAME PRICE
Re-programming the ECM = $100 at the local dealership (reflashed it to change the VIN and give it the 350 EFI tables)
PERFORMANCE = NIGHT AND DAY

Go with the 350 - you won't be disappointed!!

 

I am thinking about doing the same thing you just posted.... 305 to 350. Dont mind eating the core charge and reflashing the computer...BUT what about the warrentee?? Didnt they void it because you did not stay stock? This is the problem my mechanic told me..

 

Great food for thought. Thanks for all the input. I'll research the 350 option, I just assumed I'd run into extra $$ converting everything.

Someone mentioned ATX, any other decent places to recommend for my seach on a 350 long block or short block?

Rob

 

Actualy it was ATK Engines not ATX...Another good engine choice is JASPER. Jasper is better but they are also more expensive..

They both have web sites you can research just do a search...My mechanic thinks Jasper is the way to go..

One diff between ATK and Jasper is Jasper includes oil pan and timming cover installed and also sell a installation kit which includes new belts Waterpump thermostat ect...ATK engines are more basic no timming cover or oil pan..Just depends what you want .

 

I got a NAPA remanufactured engine. My factory warranty had already expired, but the engine now has a 3-year/30k mile warranty.