Why's everybody hatin' on the 305?

[allengator]

Originally Posted by Oberon67

I notice that the first thing a C10 buyer on here often does when he gets a new project truck is to yank the 305 out of it.

Now I understand that the 305 isn't the path to power. But isn't it a serviceable engine for a daily driver? Is anyone here using one for that, or is a 350 the minimum acceptable SBC?

#tryingtounderstand

The 305 is a decent engine for transportation, but lets face it... these trucks are TOYS for the most part. If we wanted basic transportation, there are much better, newer, more efficient options.
If I were to purchase a truck that needed NOTHING and had a 305 in it, I would likely drive it until the engine needed attention, THEN replace it with a 350... but since its basically the same price to rebuild a 350 than a 305, replacing a tired engine with an upgrade is a no-brainer.

I have read article on building STRONG 350+HP 305's... but at the end they always tell you the same money would build a much better 350...

[MalibuSSwagon]

I had a 305, decent enough engine, ran it for years towing cars and daily driving. Hopped it up a bit with an RV cam, longtube headers. I did end up swapping it out for a 5.3L last year because I couldn't get the tune nailed down for the TPI, and just wouldn't run right. Needed it reliable for Home Depot runs and whatnot. The 305 sitting under my bench now waiting for something to drop it in, tuning issues with ancient ECMs aside, it's a strong runner.