Hello everyone. I am new to this site but I know my way around under a hood. All my previous toys were carburetors and this is my first tpi ride. My 305 burns as much oil as it does gas and I don't want to wast money upgrading a 305. I'd like to keep the tpi (I know it's not the best high rpm option) it looks cool and it needs to be a reliable street car(smooth idle) I can't afford a pricy build or most crate options but a scrapyard or remanufactured replacement motor could be in the budget. Anyway I'm open to suggestions and I appreciate all input. Thanks.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Options: Many.

Best option: Depends.

Oil consumption with small block Chevys is often related to the valve stem seals. Do you notice blue smoke when you start it up, especially when warm? Probably valve stem seals. If the engine has been treated to halfway regular oil changes, the rings are probably fine. Replacing the valve stem seals doesn't require removing the engine or even the heads. I'd look there first.

2nd most common cause of SBC oil consumption is leaks - intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, crank seals, even the oil pressure sending unit. Have you checked those?

If you're dead set on replacing the engine, the least expensive new engine is the Goodwrench 195 HP 350, http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet . Next in line is the upgraded version of that engine, http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet . Either of those will basically bolt in place of your 305, with an argument that could be made that you should switch the knock sensor and module with the 350 versions.

There are various engine rebuilders out there that might be able to do a little better than those prices, although freight and core charges can add up quickly and make the total price higher than those new engines.

If you can find a scrapyard engine in decent shape, it'll probably be from a truck. That's not a big problem, but some details may come into play. Anything newer than 1986 will require a flexplate change, as the factory went to 1-piece rear main seals in 1986 model year, and that changed the mounting flange. A replacement can be had for $35-$50. In 1987 the factory went to a slightly different intake manifold bolt pattern, with the center two mount bolts on each side being at 72 degrees instead of 90 degrees - if you find a truck engine in good shape that's '87-'95 (which is a pretty likely year range), then you can either elongate those bolt holes in your TPI base, or have your 305 heads reworked and put them on the 350 (not all that bad of an idea, actually, considering most truck engines had dished pistons and low compression - but so do those crate engines I linked).

So, that's a start. We could get into '96-'00 truck 350s, aka "Vortec", but those would require a rather expensive TPI base in order to use them.

 

yeah she pops smoke when started and at wide open throttle. the valves also rattle under heavy acceleration and I have no problem believing it may need a variety of gaskets. I'd like to keep this 305 running for the summer and then drop a 350 in over the winter. in the long term I'm looking to have a 350 to 450 horsepower Mill under the hood. I can get a remanufactured l98 for under 2 grand and was to debating between that and the Goodwrench 350. it seems like the l98 would make more power cheaper but the goodwrench is a 4 bolt (not to mention brand new) however I'm not sure how compatible the Goodwrench bottom end is with the TPI system.

 

No problem with compatibility between the Goodwrench and TPI. I did mention the knock sensor. If you go with the higher HP version, you'll probably want to go with the 22 lb/hr L98 injectors as well.

2- vs. 4-bolt main really isn't that big of a deal. In fact, 4-bolt blocks are more prone to crack in the main webbing than 2-bolts are.

 

I must confess I've been leaning stronger towards the L 98 for the factory roller cam, higher compression, and better heads. my father is I should be able to get pretty Decent power with the stock long block under warranty. any idea what kind of power can be had out of a stock l98 with intake, exhaust, and ignition mods?

 

*Thought not father(autocorrect)

 

Keeping your goal of smooth idle? Probably in the 300 range.

"Ignition mods" probably not needed, other than a good module and coil (and cap, rotor, plug wires).

Stealth Ram intake, headers with free-flowing exhaust, cam. Plan on valve spring upgrades.

If you're going that route (which isn't exactly what you were talking about in the beginning), find one of those '96-'00 "Vortec" truck 350s. Roller cam already, better heads than the L98, Stealth Ram version available. Upgrade the cam. For sure plan on valve spring upgrades (one nit on the Vortec heads is their limited valve travel - we can talk more about that if you're interested). As-mentioned headers and free-flowing exhaust. 300 HP would be a piece of cake.

 

did some research and that's an awesome suggestion. I like the Vortec truck engine option. what cam would you suggest for this engine?