My buddy and I are toying with the idea of building my old 305 just for ****s and giggles. We've already got a 650 carb and 1 5/8" headers sitting around.

We're thinking stock bottom end with Vortec heads, some crazy-*** cam, and a decent shot of juice - say around 100 for the 305.

We don't even know what we're going to put it in yet!

What would you guys say the limit is for RPMs on a stock 91 305? Because I'm thinking of using it as sort of a test bed - like try a couple of different cheapo cams just to play with different powerbands etc.

Any suggestions?

If we blow it, we're still thinking el-cheapo for the rebuild. I can get the same rods in the ZZ4 for 198 from my dealer brand new. I figure all-GM factory replacement

Anyone have any other good ideas for inexpensive but good performance parts? Like the Vortec heads, is there anything better out there for the price? 400/pair assembled isn't bad.




------------------
1991 RS LT1
every imaginable bolt-on, and an all-forged 355 on the way with an ATI following in '01

2000 C5 Coupe
black/black 6-spd, optional polished rims, 'mostly' stock....

"So what DOES the back of a Mustang look like?"

 

I'm shifting at 6100 RPM with a stock 133,000 mile bottom end. After nearly 30 passes at the strip, I filled the car with the ice chest, jack, umbrella, and other track stuff, then ripped off a 100.82 MPH pass before hitting the gates.





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Daniel Burk
http://www.isthq.com/~dan/fcar.html
'84 Trans Am WS6/L69
KB SFC, Moser axles, Torsen Diff. PST suspension, Braided stainless brake lines, Koni struts, 11-inch rear disks,Spohn Adj. torque arm,
Ported 305 heads w/1.94"intake valves, Comp Cams XE262H, Griffen alum. radiator,
Turbine Technologies 2500 stall converter, underdrive pulleys, Crane Hi-6 & more.
1.05g skidpad verified.
New best E/T! 14.039 at 100.82 MPH in 41 degree air at Stanton, Michigan.

 

I don't know how dead set you are on keeping it as 305, but what about stroking it? I think Powerhouse sells the 305 stroker kit. I think it's a 337 cube or something like that.

 

The Vortecs are about the best bang-for-buck out there if buying new. You could probably find better out there used, but that's a crap shoot.

The Vortec springs are lift limited, so if you plan on putting healthy cams in, you might as well upgrade the springs before you put them on.

Induction changes could be interesting. Modify a q-jet to limit the AV opening (not the spring tension, but the amount it can come open such as discussed in the tech article). Make runs increasing the opening size until it slows.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car. Rescued w/86 LG4/TH700R with all harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. 2.73 open. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LB9 w/ZZ3 cam, ported heads, exhaust, paint, etc.).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. Currently 396 .030 over, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

 

This sounds like an interesting project! I'm really curious to see what kind of feedback you get here, because I was considering doing the same thing. If you're wondering what kind of chassis to put it in, consider an S-10 or similar pick-up. It would haul @$$! I'd really like to see how this project comes out. Keep us informed.

James

 

Funny you mention that, an S10 is exactly what we had in mind. The 305 is not stump puller but if we put it in a lightweight vehicle it should be that much quicker. What other GM vehicle is there that's dirt cheap to pick up in so-so condition, easy to find parts for, readily modified, and weighs less than a 3rd gen? My buddy Mike did a 350 swap a couple of years ago like that.

We're considering finding a used TPI system for it and then slapping on a used ATI 9psi system. But that would be if we had money to burn. Realistically we'll go carburated and juice it. Besides, right now I have to finish up the 355 and a whole slew of things with the RS, and I'd like to get around to putting headers, cutout, less restrictive cats and a good x-pipe on the Vette

Would factory LT1 springs work with the Vortec heads without having to radius the seat? And would those springs actually be a step up from those that come with the Vortec heads?

I ask because I've got one blown LT1 that's coming apart. And a second one that's in perfect condition that I'm using purely for the block. So right there we've got about 1.5 sets of rods and assorted parts. Too bad I can't use THOSE heads.

------------------
1991 RS LT1
every imaginable bolt-on, and an all-forged 355 on the way with an ATI following in '01

2000 C5 Coupe
black/black 6-spd, optional polished rims, 'mostly' stock....

"So what DOES the back of a Mustang look like?"

[This message has been edited by Brett (edited October 09, 2000).]

 

I might know where you can get a TPI, real cheap (I think he's asking 325 for the whole thing). E-mail me and I'll give you the guy's address. Good luck with your project. I'd like to hear more input on this. Surely someone else has stroked or built up a killer 305. Where are the stroker kits? Any websites?

James