Ok I got bored the other day i searched web and found a turbo kit for my 305 tpi. Now the thing is that I was already planning on buying a crate motor for my car since I am 170,xxx miles already. The motors i was looking at make between 325-355 hp and cost roughly 2500-3500 and I guess another 1000-1500 to get installed. I am not sure since thats what I read for install costs. The turbo I was looking at was a single turbo that was roughly 1000 and idk for install. I contacted the shop and they said for my motor I could make around 150 hp more. It said it could create as much as 15 psi but that would just kill the motor right? I thought 7psi was the right range? The hp gains sound a bit out landish to me but that why there are like you guys here to ask for these things. So should I continue with motor plans for this winter or just get the turbo in a few months? Then just buy the motor when my old one dies? As for how the motor runs it runs really well and my mechanic buddy says it should run for a good while longer. Burns no oil, has not ever had to be opened up for anything, just has a few leaks. Also if I got the turbo would I need to upgrade any parts of the engine so strain was not an issue? If i get the turbo I will still get the new motor at some point maybe a year later than planned, so I also ask will the turbo work with the engine? Its gonna be carb motor and idk if turbos work with them but I think they do since I am pretty sure that you can use a super charger with a carb but I dont know.

 

I'd go for the whole new engine.. it's anybody's guess as to what will happen when you put 7-8psi to a 170K engine.

A properly done turbo setup will run you a LOT more than you listed once it is installed and tuned, etc..

The 325-355hp engine are probably Vortec headed engines. A good start to having fun and easily upgradable with a better camshaft/intake. 400+hp is attainable without too much work. Goodluck!!

 

I agree with AutoRoc.
Hard to put that kind of $ into an older/tired motor and be happy with the HP it may/could get until it breaks due to age. Might as well throw Nitrous into it an see how long it will take to do-it-in.
Get the crate, expect up to $1000 in extra costs due to the swap and so on, and enjoy a fresh, tire-shredding experience!!!!!

I bought a crate for my old truck. Over double the HP. I spent over $700 in extra parts, but it was SOOOOO worth it.

 

Oh, I missed that bit you 'guessed' about install $.
I'd be surprised if you couldn't get it installed ( at least where I live ) for less than $1000. I asked a local shop about my older truck and they quoted me $600, but I don't have all the extra wiring you do.
Your car is more involved but you might find a shop which is hungry for work and gives you a great deal.
Or, find a spot, get some friends, and do it yourself. It only takes one good friend with the knowledge and two of you who don't know what you're doing to help.
Good luck.

 

Yah I figured the motor wouldnt last long with a turbo anyways. I didnt realize that the computer and such all had had to be tuned. Thanks to you both for the input on this for me.

 

Do some more research
You could do some serious stuff with what you have, but you gotta spend $
Best is to keep looking for what you wanna drive daily, and then look for HP after the fact.
As we said, you can't expect your old motor to keep up to what you want.
I got lucky and found a Crate Motor that fit my bill. I dropped it in and away I went.
You want HorsePower? Buy the Crate or some other replacement.
Good Luck.

 

Well I am pretty sure I'll just be going for the crate motor. So will a 350 with a carb setup need more room to fit under the hood?

 

For the most part, all Small Block Chevys are exactly the same size external dimension wise. A 434ci SBC will be exactly the same as your 305.

There is no point in buying a 305 crate engine, a 350 will be an exact replacement and make more power, and in most cases be cheaper because 350 parts are more common than 305 parts.

I think if you are going to drop coin for a 350, you might as well step up to a 383 because they can be had for not much more than a 350. Also, if you are building a performance oriented motor that you plan on boosting or using N20 on in the future, go ahead and get at least forged pistons.

A properly setup turbo/supercharger kit can EASILY boost horsepower output by 100% (a 400hp motor would then make 800hp)

 

I totally agree on that a 305 crate motor would be for the most part worthless. I also knew they where pretty much about the size I was asking if there would be enough head room for the motor. Is there going to be clearance for the air cleaner on top? The motors I have mind do have forged pistons and I have thought about the 383 motors but for me I think I a 350 will be better for me overall.

 

Yes you will have room for the aircleaner with any Stock style SBC setup.
As for what motor you finally buy, keep in mind your compression ratio.
I bought a GMPP ZZ4 which is 10.5:1. I can't safely run a supercharger.

If you want to add NOX, Turbo or an SC setup, think about your compression before you buy.