My 305 is turning 20 years old this year, and in the next few weeks I'd like to pull it out an freshen it up. It's the original motor and I have no interest in a 350 swap. I'm planning on changing out all gaskets and replacing the oil pan, paint, and general clean-up. While the engine is on a stand, what other 20 year old parts need to be addressed? I'm not on a tight budget, but I am more interested in a non-leaky, dependable, stock, original 305 for occasional cruising with my sons. Ideas about resources (book, websites, etc) are welcome as well. Thanks

Kevin

 

i would do a compression test while your at it and completely rebuild it if its in the red zone

 

Timing chain and gears. Water pump.

 

Vizards book "How to rebuild your SBC" is a good one, if this is a first time project for you.
Comes with good pictures for the inevitable what-goes-where question. Lots of good info.

An oil pump is $25 for a M55, it's a cheap way to know you will have good oil pressure.
Valve seals, and valve guides if it needs it.

Does it burn oil now? On acceleration? On startup? A hone and rings might do the job, or a full on bore and new pistons

Valve springs might be a good idea. They do wear out and get weak. Basic ones are about $60-$80.

 

I get the puff of smoke on start up and I have a few minor leaks (timing cover and something from the back of the motor as far as I can tell). Many top end parts are new from when I first bought the car. I fixed the intake manifold leak, double-roller timing chain, new alternator, water pump, radiator, had the injectors tested and cleaned, new distributor, plugs wires, valve cover gaskets. The car runs great, but I'm tired of the annoying 10-drop leaks (I replaced the rear main last winter) that I seem to be chasing constantly. I figure I'll pull the whole thing out and get everything done right while working with the engine on a stand.

 

Smoke on startup ? Valve steam seals ... replace them. Get a full gasket set ... an important thing is to CLEAN the heads like crazy ... when I rebuilt mine, I had 1/2 inch of carbon built up on the valves, plus additional carbon built up in the ports.

Unfortunately my oilpump shaft and distributor won't line up so the car is still not running

But you get the idea. Water pump and oil pump is cheap.

 

Bump the engine over until they do.

 

Read my other post about it ... regarding changing the oil pump. The damn thing won't line up and just drop in