Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

My truck had a 305 in it stock, but was swapped out for a 350 sometime before I took ownership of it. Since then I've been going based on the word of the previous owner and have put a couple parts on it such as headers, oil filters, and a fuel pump all cataloged for a 350. I wanted to know how I can tell if I have the real deal or if it was a lie and the original 305 was just done up to sell the truck?

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

Check the casting codes and suffix numbers.
Look here.
http://www.mortec.com/

Or here.
http://www.nastyz28.com/decode.php

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

Do I have to take the generator off to read the partial VIN up front?

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

BTW it's not a generator!
It's an altenator and you should be able to see the pad.
The casting codes on the back of the block are harder to see. Just use a flashlight and mirror for those.

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

Look at the stamp behind the drivers head. It can be covered in grease but it'll be a more definitive answer for you.

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

Thanks guys. I wasn't able to see the one up front at all. I really think the...... alternator (:D) bracket is blocking it. I'll try the one in the back. The truck has a lotta balls so I'm confident I have a 350, I really doubt I can spin tires with a lift using a 305......

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

The 305s get really dogged on. I had a 305 in a 2wd with a stage 2 shift kit and it would chirp tires from 1st to 2nd.

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

I've blown up two 305's in my day. Well one of them had help from my wife....

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

I'm sure that sucked when you blew up both of them. I've never really driven one (as far as I know) but if a Chevy 305 is anything like the Olds 307 in my Caddy, then I would expect it to be nicely torquey, but completely lost beyond 2nd gear. Given that the Caddy is prolly heavier than one of our trucks, I would still expect it to be close.......

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

I've seen some blocks CI marked around the engine mount holes.
otherwise its at the back,below the distributor
and those front numbers can even get ground off,during machine work

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

The first one I blew up was a slug, but there were like 5 or 6 of us in high school that had squarebodies. I was goin down the highway at like 60, started hearing a knock, and within a mile it completely let go.
The second one was a 84 longbed my wife and i bought for her. We were just dating then. We kinda split up for awhile and she totally neglected it. It leaked oil bad, and she let it run dry. It was actually pretty decent for a 305.
I liked that truck, but it had to go, too many vehicles at the time.
We bought it for like 1800, and I threw together a 350 I had at the time and sold it for $3000.
Then a few months later I saw it on craigslist and called the guy selling it and he was actually the second owner since me, hahaha.
Said it ran good and strong though.

Re: Visual Differences Between 305 and 350
 

That's a cool story. My girlfriend didn't totally dig my truck when I first got it but it's started to grow on her now that's it has saved her from the snow a few times. I think once I get it cleaned up and fixed up cosmetically she'll be more into it. She loves the old Caddy though......