A couple months ago on craigslist I found a complete 305 for a firebird that was TPI and had been bored out .30 over. I emailed him and asked him how much he wanted for it and he said $400 so and that wasn't really in my budget. The post expired a while back and I found his email today and decided to go take a look at it and he gave me the whole TPI setup for $50 and the rest of the motor for $100. How can I tell the bore size? I don't wanna just buy a regular 305.

 

You'd have to measure the cylinders to know for sure.

"Regular 305" If you're implying that you think you might be getting a "special or better" 305 because it's bored, you're not in luck.

 

So there wouldn't be much of a difference?

 

from my understanding you cant bore a 305. the cylinder walls are too thin and youll cut into the water jackets. but then again i could be wrong..

 

There will be no difference. You don't bore an engine for power. You bore it to rebuild cylinder walls that are shot.

If you're taking the time to put in an engine, find a 350. You can easily find one for the same price if you are patient.

I found my freshly rebuilt 400 for 600 bucks.