I am new to the site, and just bought an 88 camaro with the TBI 305, it is the original motor and runs great, but when I get the car repainted and body work done I want to rebuild it and try and get some more power out of it. I basically want the car to be as close to original as possible, I want to hold on to it for quite a while. I came across this site, built a 305 using same stock iron heads, got well over 300hp...

http://www.hioutput.com/tech/343hp/343hp.html

Of coarse I'll be using pump gas, and want to retain the TBI and whatever else to keep it as "original" as possible. Just want to know if anyone has done a 305 build/rebuild and some options for power without loosing the originality. Thanks.

 

How original do you want? Cause stock headers and and air cleaner are gonna limit the power considerably.

 

Well, I was thinking on doing headers, full exhaust, cam, maybe pistons, and different intake run on same air cleaner but with K&N... Here is what I got part wise with the car:

Used but in good shape SBC Edelbrock Torker 2 Intake
Clevite Cam for SBC #229-1730, 204/214 duration at 50 .422 .444 lift
New Clevite Rod and Main bearings
New timing set from SA Gear
New Melling MPR-34B Push Rods
Rebuilt crank from a 350 (from a 72 el camino)
Rebuilt heads from 350, same car
New head bolt set, Fel-Pro part#ES72856
New Master M Fuel Pump part#40987
New Melling Oil Pump part #M-55, PC 601-1057
Rebuilt Holley Carb numbers on it are 80457-3, 1254
Rods from above 350 with new pistons for bored .30 over

Basically all u need to build a 350 without a block, just want to know what I can use on my 305 and what I can't

 

The heads they used in that article are not the swirl-port heads you have. You most definitely need a set of the 081 heads from an LB9.
The cam you chose is a non-roller, which makes little sense to me, since you already have everything you need to take advantage of your roller lifters. So, I suggest that if you like big torque from 1500-5000 rpm, you use the RamJet 350 cam, and 1.6:1 rockers. If you want better top end, then I'd go with this cam: http://www.competitionproducts.com/E...uctinfo/E1136/ , again with 1.6:1 rockers, and the Edelbrock TBI intake, along with flat top pistons and a 3.42:1 axle ratio, which is easiest to get by just swapping the complete rear axle assembly from an '84-'92 V6 / automatic Camaro / Firebird. Then if you want posi, just use a conversion-style locker so you don't have to remove the stock diff and then have to fuss with backlash and preload of the gears.

 

That's the second time in two days I've hear of the PosiTrax locker. How does it compare to a Torsen? Seems like it's better for full out drag launches, but how is it at going around corners?

 

Really off topic, warrants it's own thread in the trans/rear sub-forum, but I liked mine, that's part of why I've been recommending them for years. Take it easy through a turn, like you have a headache, they don't lock, because there's no need. Feeling like Jeremy Clarkson? They make drifting easy.

 

Well they were for a 350 the guy I bought it from was going to build, but he never got a block, so I was trying to figure out what I can use and what I couldn't... so I guess I will do this:

Keep:
New Rod and Main Bearings
New Timing Set
New Push Rods
New Head Bolt set
New Oil Pump
New fuel Pump

And sell/trade the rest.

I saw that TBI intake by edelbrock, I will look into those cams and rockers, can i use those on the same heads i have in this 305? What kind of power can I look at and still be able to use the TBI? I want to accomplish 300-350hp. Thanks for the advice so far

 

I did the exact same build as this for my 83 Firebird www.hioutput.com/tech/400hp/400hp.html

 

Builds done 25+ years ago don't make good references.
The LO3 heads truly suck, forget 300 HP with them, it's asking too much. Heads aren't everything when it comes to power, they're the only thing. Fail there, nothing else truly matters. Your only hope becomes power adders, and that's extremely poor power per dollar. Good heads are relatively cheap initially, and in the long run are the best investment. There's NO valid reason to try to keep LO3 heads in any performance build.

 

Ok so toss the stock heads... what's the recommendation on new heads?

 

Try this site www.racingheadservice.com

 

No, because RHS doesn't offer anything for the tiny bore of the 305 heads. If you make the rounds of your local salvage yards, junk yards, and automotive machine shops, you should be able to find a good pair of 081 heads for under $100/pr. They may need some machine work, but the performance is worth it, and they still come out less $ than buying new heads. They can be ported to nearly equal the popular Vortec 350 heads.

 

RHS #12402 Heads 1.94/150 and 67cc chambers.

 

The valves would fit, but you don't put 76cc heads on a dished piston 305, you'd be under 7:1 compression.
Canuckbird, stop being a knowitall who doesn't, you're just misleading people. None of us appreciate that.

 

these RHS heads can be milled more than .035/you can use domed pistons/thin gaskets all to increase compression.In case you are wondering, i have been building engines since 1974.

 

The biggest dome I've seen for a 305 was -2.8 cc for 6" rods and they were mucho $$$. Even with those you'd barely have about 9.5:1. Pretty much anyone who is building a 305 is doing it on the cheap. Nearly $400 for a set of pistons kinda breaks the bank. I think it's much more reasonable to plan for SpeedPro flat-tops.

 

CanuckBird, it's okay to get angry at me, and it's okay to disagree with me, but typing 4 letter F-words that have to be edited out is just childish. If you have issue with me, send a PM to five7kid, he's a moderator in here who knows the score.

 

I think you have a problem with people posting on this board who have as much or more experience as you. You are the one who threw the first punch by insulting me saying i was misleading people.

 

Wow... ok well it makes you guys feel any better, I have never rebuilt a car motor before... a few motorcycle and smaller engines, but nothing this big... trying to decide to rebuild or go the LS1 rout, but I HATE wiring... anything else I can handle... with more power comes T56 tranny and need for new rear end w/disc brakes and posi... so maybe this just is gonna end up one of those LONG projects.

 

Ever consider that for all of your 36 years in your garage, doing a few for yourself and a few for your buddies, you were maybe doing it wrong? In several threads, I've had to correct things you've typed.
Look at domed pistons. That was quasi-necessary in the late 70s, but it doesn't fly anymore. Your thinking is too old school for any F-car built after '81.
I suggest you join nastyz and TransAmCountry, you'll fit right in to those forums. Here, look around, you won't find a single instance of anyone claiming they followed my advice and regret it. You'll find hundreds of thank yous. You're never too old to learn, so adopt a student mentality, because I'm giving away all the secrets in my remaining months before advanced cancer takes me. Peace.

 

36 years in a garage? No. 12 years at a Ford dealer and 10 years at a Sunoco service Center.I have rebuilt many many engines. You are right,no one is ever too old to learn.I am sorry to hear you have terminal cancer and appreciate your advice and wish you all the best.

 

Well, glad we got that out of the way... anyone else have some good ideas on rebuilding a 305 to give a little more umph?...