I will try to keep this short and sweet.

I bought a 91 RS with a 305 TBI. I want to rebuild it and convert it from TBI to TPI. I found and engine rebuild kit on ebay for $395. I emailed the guy and asked him if it would work for what i want to do. He said no i need to buy there Master rebuild kit that is $595. IS there really a difference? I was reading through my Chilton Engine overhaul book and if memory serves me correct all the internals seemed to be the same? Am i missing something? Or should i take his word and positive feedback for it?

 

Anyone? Is it a stupid question or something? I know i have to get a new wiring harness, computer and all that, i already have all that covered. But what about pistons, rings, rod and main bearings, cam & lifters? Is there really a difference between the two ?

 

Can I ask - if switching to TPI anyway, couldn't you get a 350 long block and have that much more for about the same as rebuilding a 305? My entire 350 from pan to carb only cost me $600 locally - it's no 400hp crate motor, but it has all the fun that any standard 350 would - much more than I'd ever get from a 305. The only thing that keeps my 350 from making more-than-stock hp ratings are heads, a bolt-on in my book.

Just throwing it out there for consideration - 305's are great little motors, but unless you're into serious prom tuning, there's no replacement for displacement. You'll need a TPI ECM anyways - could get one for a 350 just as easily as for a 305 - and everything else is the same.

 

I have thought about that, but i am not looking to turn it into a hot rod, just a nice daily driver to save some wear and tear on the goat. I had an 88 iroc with a tuned port 305 and it ran plenty well enough for my intentions, and since i already have the 305 why not just rebuild it? Dont get me wrong i am exploring my options, but so far buying a rebuild kit for the 305 is a little less expensive than getting a 350 block and then having to buy the stuff to rebuild it and make it complete. Unless i can find a good running used one that i can just drop in.... i dont know...

 

I think they are the same but i am not sure research and you might find your answer i am gonna do that swap too from a 305 tbi to 350 tpi