Ok, so this is all in the prep stages. My engine is slowly dying and I've decided that instead of rebuilding it (the 305) I'm just gonna look into swapping in a 350. As is right now, my grandmamma has a 78 chevy truck and it has the 350 in it.

My questions, if it it is a 350...

What will I be able to transfer from my 305? Will my valve covers swap over? Intake manifold? Headers?
Will the 350 bolt up to my 700R4 without issues?
Will all off my gauges still work correctly as far as speedo, water temp, oil pressure, tach?
Will those heads from the engine be good or should I have them port and/or polished, or should I just get new ones?
What other upgrades should I look into before I put it in?

Also, it has been sittin for a few/several years, and I do plan on rebuilding it, as far as gaskets are concerned, maybe new pistons and a cam.

Any opinions, ideas, or help is appreciated.

 

Heads from a 78 350 are garbage. Just take the 350 short block and put your 305 heads on it.

 

ok, any other info? since i'm swapping heads, then my exhaust will, or atleast should fit. and in theory the intake manifold will too. is this all correct?

I've been looking at rebuil kits on summit and they're like 2 and some change. should I get the one with new piston heads? can anyone reference what they think will be good?

 

Apart from the dipstick being on the opposite side, everything between the two engines is externally the same.

 

I wouldn't get new pistons unless the cylinder walls have excessive wear (most likely they will have excessive wear). You will then have to have a machine shop bore & hone the cylinders for the next size up pistons and rings.

For a basic daily driver, cast pistons will be fine.

 

Using the 305 heads means staying with dished pistons. NO flat-tops.