96' 305/81' c10 swap questions

[Joe Z]

Long story short had some engine and tranny problems and can really afford a rebuild on both yet but need the truck so I'm looking at a 96' 305 for $150.

I'm going to run a 4bbl and wanted to see what intake people are using (part number if possible) and if anyone has done this particular swap what headers work best (I have a 3 speed column shift going in and need to dodge all the factory linkages), and finally if anyone know if the engine has a block off plate for the fuel pump if I can just throw a pump on or have to go electric. Thanks in advance, just trying to get some accurate information.

[sweetk30]

96 engine is vortec series . were only efi no mech fuel pump .

will require $$$ vortec intake to fit the heads .

good start as there a roller cam block already . and almost a 100% bolt in for a older sbc .

[Joe Z]

I know I need the intake but not sure what one I'd need for it. The ones that seem right have vague descriptions for application and I want to get the right one. As for the fuel pump the motor has a bolt on plate where a mech fuel pump would sit on older motors so I'm wondering if the it should be able to accept one or not, but I don't have an issue running electric if needed although mech would be simpler.

[cadillac_al]

I didn't think the 305's got actual 062 vortec heads. It may take a different intake than an actual vortec intake.

[Joe Z]

Someone told me I can use an older style intake and grind/drill out the holes to match up the bolt angles, use the correct year gasket for the block and bolt it directly on. It'd save me about $200 but not sure how good of an idea it is.

[sweetk30]

not going to happen .

went from 6 bolts per side to 4 . and the intake runners went taller . you would need to add aluminum on the intakes and blend them out . i have seen pics of them before and the intake looks ugly as sin .

yes they did 305 and 350 vortec engines .

[LT7A]

The 305 didn't really benefit from the vortec head upgrade like the 350s. The 305 heads are essentially swirl port (previous design) but would have the same intake mounting as the Vortech heads. Is the TBI setup not available? It would probably push you into getting in 1987 tank and fuel pump assembly, but that would answer your fuel pump question too.

If I was going to be putting in a 305 due to budget constraints, I would go ahead and get earlier 305 heads so that I could use an earlier 305 intake. The good 305 heads will net higher compression, and allow you to use a decent factory Quadrajet intake. They were designed to give good low-end torque response. The heads and manifold used on the LE9 motors, or similar, should take pretty good care of you. And should be very inexpensive. Read 'almost free'. You can find the casting numbers online. Nasty Z28 forum is a good source.

[Joe Z]

Thanks for the info. I was only looking at that particular engine because I know it's in good running order and was cheap. But I found an 84' carbed one I'm going to look at and would end up being cheaper in the long run if it runs good.

[LT7A]

Cool. There are different versions so any info you can get, any casting numbers, go online and see what it is. Many guys talk these down, but there were good ones in our trucks in the 80s. Cams in them went flat in the 70s and they deservedly got a bad rap. Many of them get rebuilt with dished pistons which takes the life out of them. With the electronic spark control (ESC) they were able to make high compression and live. Many people also criticize that system, but I think very few look into it to understand it well enough to retain and utilize the benefits. It's actually a pretty valid setup for running a relatively high compression ratio.

[Joe Z]

Never even heard of the ecs system. Might have to look into it. I've been more into the in line 250's so I'm use to the criticism from that alone but I loved the 305 4bbl in my old impala. No tire smoker but a 4 door getting 20mpg and still able to tow a 5000lbs trailer left my wallet happier than any 350 car or truck I had. Heck my buddies run ricers that couldn't touch me once I got rolling so it didn't even need to be a speed demon so I figure it should be ample for my 1/2 ton.

On another note I do run a lot of overloads uphill though so I'm not really sure what to expect as far as low end torque drop. I know my 250 and my 350 actually pulled close to the same when loaded at any equal weight and really the 250 was faster uphill but acceleration was slower all around. I just wish the low end torque was there in the V8's because that's where I need it most. But sixes and the parts are expensive and hard to find.

[csdineley]

Intake Edelbrock 2116