I have a 92 RS, TBI, 305, 700r4. The engine is seized and I need to replace it ASAP on the cheap. I'm thinking the cheapest and easiest way is just to get another 305 with decent mileage, with heads already installed, and use my intake, TBI, etc.

I have 2 question - Can I get a 305 from any year or will I need to look for anything specific? Is there a cheaper alternative than the way I'm thinking?

Thanks for any advice!

 

'87-up would be best if you want your existing intake to mount up directly.

You could also consider a 350 from '87-'95 light truck. Everything you have would bolt up. If you can get the TBI and computer with the engine, that would be even better. Probably won't cost much more than getting a used 305. Often discussed on the TBI forum.

If you're willing to spend the extra cash for an intake manifold, the '96-'99 light truck 350 would be even better. A few more details to address, but the TBI forum, again, is the place to get that info.

Usually isn't hard to find a running 305 for pretty cheap, though.

 

Hit up craigslist, cheap 305's in good condition pop up all the time from people doing no research and jumping on the 305 sucks bandwagon and chucking them for a 350. I got my 305 with less than 40,000 miles with documentation of the rebuild for $300.

 

A friend of mine had a 92 TBI 350 pickup and his engine went sour. I sold him a good running LB9 5.0 TPI engine out of my 87GTA for $200. He loved it and swore it had more power than the L05 350 ever had even as a new truck. Still, the 350 would be my first choice but the LB9 my 2nd. Good luck finding one and that's the good thing about chevy engines, there are so many out there.

 

If you are anywhere close to GA. I have a 350 for $400 (short block, no heads on it) that was rebuilt not too long ago. Bored .040" over

 

Where were all these cheap rebuilt 350s when I needed a new motor??!!! Lol