I have been lurking here for a while gathering info but this is my 1st post so bare with me.There are some sharp minds here that I hope to gain some insite from for my project.Project is 50gmc truck.My goal is to build a reliable longhaul cruser that is fun to drive and will get good mpg 18-20hwy on a reasonable buget.I bought a 85 or 86 lb9tpi and 700r a while back for this project.After my purchase I realize it might not be the 1st choice of year models but I have it complete with harness and would like to use it.It has been setting and will need freshning.Should I think about changing heads/cam?I dont want to build a dog but am not expecting 300hp either,just something fun to drive.I hope to match the power/torque of the engine with the right gear to get decent power and good mpg.I will use a 28-29in tall tire and was thinking 3.42 gear.Spd density or maf? Would I be better of using aftermarker harness and newer ecm? Will this engine achieve my goal? You guys know what will work.Give me your opinions/recomendations/questions. Thanks for any help you can offer me.

 

First things first. Welcome to TGO! Everyone here will probably say the same thing. Don't waste your money on a 305. But that's what you got, so might as well make the best out of it.

 

Thanks David. I bought this engine cheap at a swap meet It was supposed to be a 350 I had no way to run the numbers at the time,when I did its a 305.I am just wanting a nice cruser that gets good mpg.I have a 7yr old daughter who wants to go places in"daddys truck." I go to several events every year some of them are 3-400miles away.And who knows what gas is going to cost down the road. I have got to get this thing together spring is around the corner.I hope to make some fun memories before she outgrows me if you know what I mean.

 

get an aftermarket harness