Ok I have a 86 sport coupe v6 auto. A friend just got a 87 iroc z with a 305/t5. He’s dropping in a LS engine with new auto. He’s giving me all the stuff for free. A 305 with all the extras. It has a
aftermarket intake with 4 barrel. With all the fuel accessories too, The t5 comes with everything from the gear **** to the pedals from his car. It’s hard to pass up the price. But from what I’ve seen between the not much loved 305 to the weak T5 transmission. Is it even worth it. My 2.8 runs ok but I only putt around town. I’ve always wanted a v8 swap. But should I wait down the road for a better option for me.

 

Can't complain about free. And it's an upgrade over the V-6...

 

I'd do it for that price. It'll be easy to swap in a 350 later when the 305 goes.

 

If it is in good shape it's totally worth it. The car will be so much faster and just more fun to drive. To be honest, if you get it for free, you could put a stand alone EFI setup on it and make wiring it up easier than getting a stock setup going and have an awesome running car. Either way I'd do it. It's not hard, just time in. I don't know what the v6 cars have as far as fuel lines so that may or may not need to be dealt with. The tach/gauges may be an issue. I new cluster should take care of that.

 

I would go for it.

 

Do it. That 86 year 2.8 is probably ready to spin a bearing anyway. Fairly simple swap since you're getting all the parts (except for the under dash work, I hate that) That 305 manual is not a pig either.

 

Yeah, swapping out the auto to manual pedals is miserable. Not as bad as a gas tank swap but still miserable. I also agree, a 305/manual is pretty fun to drive.

 

Jump on that. Or share where this friend is located so others of us can scavenge some parts

305>V6 any day.

T-5 is totally fine as well, just don't powershift it and you'll be fine (I've had one behind a 400+ hp 350 for 2 years now).

 

Sounds like you've answered your own question.