I would like to hear your opions, I have a 1992 firebird, it has a T5 tranny, do you think i should rebuild the 305 thats in it and make it carbed, or would i just be better off getting a 350 for it? I would also like to keep the T5 in it. I also have a 283 that i could use. What issues would run into with that engine?

 

C'mon man, search a little. Just typing "305" into the search should get you 10 threads with people heckling/demeaning others for not swapping a 350. Don't bother with the 283 - unless you had a '57 bel-air with the "Big V8" and are seeking nostalgia, there's no reason to run it if you have the other two choices. (I'm sure some of you old school hotrodders will disagree with me).

The 350 is king of those three engines. You can buy 'em for what you have in your pocket, and the number of vehicles that had them is almost more than the amount of parts you can find for them. Don't forget the displacement part

 

 

Ok, i guessed most would pick the 350, i am going to use a 350. my next question is should i get a 87' and newer 350? because if im correct the block was changed slightly in 87'. I belive the bellhousing will bolt to the 350, and the motor mounts should be the same, but if i get the motor out of a truck i would need a different oil pan, could i just use the oil pan off of the 305?

 

GM went to a one piece rear main seal in 87. Everything in the bottom in including the oil pan is different from 87+ and 86 below. If you got a 87+ 350 you can put your 92 305 oil pan on it, if you want.

 

So if it is 86 and below the bellhousing from the 305 will not bolt up?

 

I think the bellhousing will mount in any year 350. The biggest change for 87+ besides the one piece seal, would be the use of hydraulic roller camshafts. If you're doing anything to the engine, you'll probably end up going hydraulic roller (whether using a retrofit kit, or using stock provisions) so I'd gun for an 87+ 350 anyway.