I have a bone stock 1991 Camaro Convertible with the beloved 305 TBI and it has 163k on it but it is still running strong. I wanted to get a jump on it so I have been looking for motors. I found a complete 1988 305 with 35k for miles but it is out of a truck. What would I need to do to it to put it in my Camaro? Then for the same money I found a 350 with a 3 speed trans all complete out of a one ton van but it will need to be rebuilt. I know there are things you have to do to put a 350 in where a 305 was but I think it will all be with the motor. I am taking the guys word on the 35k and we all know what thats worth. I figure it will at least need a cam and I figured I go with an LT1 cam to soop it up a bit. The 350 will probably juice it up just rite. I have no plans on putting exhaust on it. I will have this guy here burn me a chip though no matter what engine I pick. So there's my delema please help me through it and make the proper decission. I value everyones opion and shairing your knowlage with me. So pipe in I want to make my dession by Saturday

 

Just be aware that the earlier engines might not have the proper set up to run a roller cam & intake bolt angles are different.
I'd forget about those older motors, I'd be looking for a vortec 350 to build. Great bang for the buck. Check the stickies in the tbi section.

 

That 88 truck 305 will be a flat tappet cam motor and probably doesn't have the provisions for the roller setup. as mentioned above a vortec short-block would be a good option

 

There's nothing wrong with getting a flat tappet engine, just make sure you add a zddp additive to the oil.

 

A Vortec requires a specific intake for the heads, so you gotta see what your gonna do for the intake.

 

Oh god thanks for the good inputs. I have decided to go with the low (34k) milage 305. It is just so much more cost effective. I don't plan on modifing the engine much. I want to keep everything stock. After all I am 50 and I allready have a hotrod so I don't need another go fast machine. It is all about looking good getting there to me. I am very intreeged though about the LT1 cam swap. The motor is an 88 truck TPI motor and I am not sure how that would run in my Camaro. So I'm thinking a cam and I have a guy that will program a chip for me. Is the motor a roller motor? Do I have to get a LT1 cam after all there very expencive unless someone out there can tell me where to get one cheep. Or tell me a good cam to get.I look forward to everyones input

 

"and it has 163k on it but it is still running strong...I have decided to go with the low (34k) milage 305."

You're kinda jumping the gun there. You probably got another 100-200 thousand miles left on that engine. why would you waste time and money replacing a perfectly good 305 with an unknown 305?

 

Chesterfield I kinda gotta agree with you. It puffs alittle blue smoke at a cold start up but uses no oil. I just rebuilt the TBI and it is running super. I think I'll save my money and try to get 450 HP out of my 81 TA with a 455 Olds. A little porting work and a new cam with a new intake and I should have it. The Camaro is my daily drive and why should I mess with a good thing. Thanks for everyones input. I will just keep my eye open for a LT1 350.

 

Sounds like it needs new valve seals, like mine.