Ok, so my bird is somewhere north of 150k (odo doesn't always work) and she's got an LO3. When I'm done with the body and give the engine a total tune-up, are new heads a waste of money. Sometimes she coughs a little blue smoke on start up so I'm thinking the valve seals are worn. And since my oil pan has a huge dent in it and I plan on replacing my timing chain, is replacing the cam also a waste of money? I suppose I'm asking if you guys think the bottom end will last long enough to justify the expense of these things. Also, what kind of choices do I have for heads, I haven't seen many options, vortec heads are the only non-stock I can find.
Thanks
Alex

 

I am probably not a good person to answer your question, but I would never rebuild a 305. With over 150K miles on it and it smokes, if you have the money, buy a 350 crate engine and be done with it.

OR, if you want to build an engine yourself, then start with a good 350 block and go from there.

 

Thanks for the info. I've been told by several people that they'll run forever so that's why I thought it might be nice to have some nice heads and a cam on it. But I don't think I'd rebuild the bottom end. If new heads and a cam would be a waste of money I'd just have my friend do a valve job for $50. I'm honestly not looking for a 400hp car, that's what my Nova is for. I'd just like a little more than 170hp.
Thanks
Alex

 

I was participating in a thread a couple of weeks ago with some other members of this forum and this exact issue came up, they came to the conclusion that your "top end" (valve train) will go long before your "bottom end" (connecting rods, connecting rod bearings, main bearings, etc) which sort of surprised me, but also gave me peace of mind.

By the way, I'm in the same situation as you, I have an L03 with 220,000 miles, however the car doesn't smoke at all, I don't think heads and a cam are a waste of money, it would really bring up that HP and torque, but remember, if you do decide on the heads and cam then you are choosing to stick with your L03, you have the choice between swapping the L03 for a 350 and upgrading from there, or just upgrading the L03. The decision is yours.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the info, I'd much rather fix up my lo3 than get a new motor. I don't really have the equipment, money, or time for that matter to do everything required for an engine swap. I'm much more comfortable putting a one or two thousand into the drive train knowing it lasts. I think I've decided on TPI heads, not sure on what cam though. Thanks guys
Alex

 

In my opinion, The first rule of atotomobile repair is don't molest it. Make repairs that are stock replacements. If you want a loaded IROC then go find one that needs some TLC and make it a sweet show car. The Idea of an engine Swap leaves one with the rock soup sinerio.

Just rebuild what you have. Otherwise replace the engine with a nice long block. I started helping my brother in 1976. We completely rebuilt his 1971 chevelle SS after he crashed it. Stock replacements are very headache free compared to aftermarket.

Besides Gen 3's are not made strong enough to modify heavily unless you go the entire race. To say another way, Spend the farm on it of just stay stock. There is a big hole to fall in along the way with a car that doen't supply you with a nice driving experience.

 

I understand what you mean. Honestly I'll probably go no farther than what's in the ultimate TBI. Except for some headers, maybe.
No I don't really want an
Italian
Retard
Out
Cruising
I'm 80% Italian I can make that joke.

Thanks agian
Alex

 

check out this thread,

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...e-results.html

I'm thinking of doing something similar til I can add another 305 to my K.I.A. list. then I'll swap a 350 in.

Goodluck-

Eric