Ok guys well first off my 305 makes a repetitive squeek sound once it is warmed up and goes faster with rpms so I guess either the timing chain is bad or a cam bearing is gone. So therefore I think I want to buy myself one of those GM crate engines.

Well it is going to be between the 260hp and the 290hp versions that are less than $2000 because I am 17 years old, so which would do me better. I think the 290hp one has less torque.

Also these are pre 86 engines so what would it take to make my serpentine set-up from the 305 work?
Thanks for any tips guys.

 

i think you would be better off grabbing a used vortec engine from a junkyard, then get a carb manifold and throw your TBI on it.

 

get a 350 crate motor, do some homework and throw the tbi with chip, injectors, and knock sensor from a cop caprice.

 

You don't want the 290HP version. It's identical to the 250HP version with the exception of the cam. They install an old design 222/222* duration, 112* LSA, .450/.460 lift cam in the motor, which is a pretty big cam for an engine with so-so heads and only 8.5:1 compression. That's why you see the torque take a dump while HP goes up. It would be a bit much to tune around for fuel injection and it won't be happy behind a stock torque converter. It also won't be much for low RPM drivability or fuel economy.

I've replaced worn out carbureted 305s with that 250HP motor several times and it always felt like I strapped a second engine under the hood- more power everywhere. Plus it idles and drives around town like stock.

Now, if you stick with fuel injection you'll definitely need a re-tune to make it work properly (carbs are about 90% self-tuning to any engine changes). Also, your TBI manifold won't bolt directly to those heads- the 2 center intake bolts are "stood up" at a greater angle on your FI intake than they are old the crate motor's 85-down bolt pattern heads. Your intake can be modified to fit, however. Just thought you might like to know.