My stock 84 trans am 305 H.O. has 164,000 miles on it. I would really like to modify it, including port and polish heads, new cam, intake manifold, and exhaust, but do you guys think that's a good idea on an engine with that many miles on it? Should I go through a complete rebuild? Thanks

 

You will most likely get all differant answers on this. Myself, I wouldn't do a think to that engine except take it out when I had my newly rebuilt 350 to replace it with. If you beat on it too hard your not going to have very long anyways. Just my 02.

 

You gonna stay with the 305? If so, then sure, put in all your new stuff and machinework while you refresh the motor. If you even think you might go up with a bigger motor, then no, don't modify the internals. Just stick to carryover modifications.

 

I'd say buy everthing you want and parts for a rebuild and do the whole motor at once, or just save the money for a 350.

 

i'd say modify it and stick to parts that can be used on another engine. exhaust, intake, air cleaner, etc. this stuff won't kill it any faster, just help it breath and work with a new engine.

 

If you're gonna yank the engine for a rebuild, I agree with everyone else, just do a 350, or even a 383. It won't cost any more, maybe even less ( a bit more for the 383 of course, but not much), and you'll be a lot happier and faster.

If you decide to go that route throw a nitrous kit on your 305 and have fun grenading it before you do the swap

 

I think I might either build a 350 for it, or possibly just get another car in a year or two, but I'm still not sure. Thanks for the responses.