I have been looking at swapping out my 80,000 mile 305 TBI for a Gm crate 350, probably the caprice LO5 or mayby the zz4 with the 285 hp gm heads. The crate engine will run anywhere from $1500 to $2,400 shipped. In addition, I have to buy a knock module and various sensors, a custom chip etc so the cost goes up from there.I will use my existing headers and an edlebrock intake along with the appropriate TBI mods for each engine.
Since I can pick up a set of 081 heads and a decent cam cheap for the 305, I wonder if I should just do a cam and heads for under $$300 and just stay with my 305 for another
20,000 miles or so. Its a hell of a lot cheaper say $300-500 for the 305 versus $1,500-$2400 and up for the 350 . I know the 350 will be much better in the long run, but I hate to toss a good 305 expecially when I can do the mods cheap.I was hoping for 230 to 250 hp and 300# of torque from the 305 with mods or 275 to 300 hp with 315# torque from the 350.
Now to get say 50hp more (to start) from the 350 at a cost of between $1000 and $2,000
seems like a lot expecially when my current engine is sound and only has 80,000 on it.
IS it worth it to stay with the 305 and do all the work, or should I just yank it,bite the bullit and spend the money for the 350? What do you guys think? thanks.....bob

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91 camaro RS L03 convert,
t-5, ultimate TBI mods,TBI spacer,SLP 1 5/8 headers,
3"cat back, 3.42 torsen posi,alston SFC's,Global West LCA relocation brackets

 

80,000 miles your just breaking that baby in

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Edelbrock TES Headers, High Flow Cat, Edelbrock Catback, SSM Subframe Connectors

 

sure would appreciate some thoughts. If the heads and cam would get me to 230/250 hp versus spending a ton of dough to get to 300hp 350,it might be a good compromise for a while. On the other hand, its gonna be a lot of work, and I will probably do a 350 sometime anyway.........bob

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91 camaro RS L03 convert,
t-5, ultimate TBI mods,TBI spacer,SLP 1 5/8 headers,
3"cat back, 3.42 torsen posi,alston SFC's,Global West LCA relocation brackets

 

i did the 350 swap. the way i saw it was that for a little more money, you can get a brand new motor. i mean i know it costs a few bucks more, but i saw it as worth it.

ask yourself this question...how long do you plan on keeping the car? i plan on getting burried in mine, so it was worth it for me to put the money into it because i knew that i would be enjoying it for a long long time, without worrying about anything.

i dunno man, its a tough call. really tough. i went over it like 50 times in my head before i got my motor, but i am VERY happy with what i did.

-brian

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1991 Camaro RS - Ultra Blue Metallic, T-Tops
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GM 350 HO Crate Engine - Vortec Heads, Edelbrock Performer Vortec Intake, Holley 670 CFM Throttle Body, Open Air Cleaner w/14"x3" K&N, SLP 1 3/4" Stainless Headers, Edelbrock Victor Series Water Pump, Accell Superstock Wires, Cap, and Rotor, MSD Blaster Coil, Hypertech Fan Switch & Thermomaster Chip, AC Delco Rapidfires, 3" Cat Back, Flowmaster 40 Series Muffler

700R4 - 2,400 Stall Converter, Vette Servo, Shift Kit, B&M Super Cooler

Brian's 1991 RS
Central NY F-Body Association
Join the Third Generation F-Body TBI Web Ring
z28boy@twcny.rr.com IM name: Z28 Boy

 

I had the same delima when I thew a rod on my 305 and it only had 116,000 miles on it. I ended up getting the 250hp 350ci crate motor for $1300. I am carbed though. I figred that it was more to rebuild the 305 than to go with a brand now 350ci with a 50,000 mile warrenty. I guess I just down trust the 305s any more.

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1983 Camaro Z28
Goodwrench 350ci V8, Edelbrock TES Headers, Flowmaster Catback, MSD 6al and Blaster 2 coil, Edelbrock Performer intake, Edelbrock Performer 600cfm carb. T5, 373 rear, Eibach springs, Cervin Vega speakers, Rock. Fos. Sub, Pioneer CD,
email-chris4421@hotmail.com
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"I used to be a Mustang Guy! I didn't know the power of the dark side!!"