new guy with a new project

[paintslinga2010]

My Grandpa owns a 1982 chevy silverado 2wd short bed, single cab, with a 305 and automatic transmission. I would like to know what tranny this is. It has OD. The body of the truck is straight and the interior is nice. It has been sitting for around 5-6 years because the motor had issues.

I just turned 17 and im addicted to working on trucks. I am a ford guy but i love working on all domestic vehicles.

My grandpa wants me to fix this truck up for him on the cheap. No crappy parts, but good solid parts that arent expensive.

Ive have mostly worked on fuel injected vehicles, so i have had little expirience with carbs but i am ready to learn. I want to put a carbd 350 and leave the automatic trany. Though i dont know if the current tranny will mount up to a 350. hopefully you guys can steer me in the right direction. I have also never pulled a motor, so i will probably need tips on that too.

One more thing for now. .Where can i get a solid crate motor for 800-1500? Or does that exist?

I hope you guys can help me out and i hope all of this makes sense. I dont know a whole lot about chevys but i can learn quick.

Thanks,
Jacob

[badblu97]

First....Welcome! There is a wealth of information on the this thread, and lots of professionals to help you along your way.

now, 305 and 350 should be the same block, so you should be good. Im not sure of the transmission, but Im thinking a TH400 (turbo 400).

Good luck with the truck, and come on over the the brighter side, the Chevy side!!

[enaberif]

Motor identification:
http://www.mortec.com/location.htm

Tranny Ident:
http://www.maliburacing.com/auto_tranny_id.htm

If the truck has overdrive then its mostly like a 700R4 transmission and will mount to a 350 no problems.

I take it the 305 is dying or has problems beyond repair?

[LiveAnimals]

If its a 4-speed OD its most likely a TH700R4, or maybe you got lucky and have a newer 4L60-E (pretty much the same thing, it will bolt up to a 350 no problem.


http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=9

Look at the link then check the pan.

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by LiveAnimals

If its a 4-speed OD its most likely a TH700R4, or maybe you got lucky and have a newer 4L60-E (pretty much the same thing, it will bolt up to a 350 no problem.


http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=9

Look at the link then check the pan.

4L60-E needs a computer tho I think.

[LiveAnimals]

TBI305/700R4 combo came in my 87 R10, might be the same combo

[old Rusty C10]

if its an unmollested truck its the 700 R4 welcome to the board. If i were to put a crate motor into the truck id go get a gm crate one... im not sure of the current cost tho. Im told the ones that come from the cheaper places like autozone use junky internals

[paintslinga2010]

Thanks for the links guys, ill have to check the pan sometime tommorow. The truck hasnt been touched as far as engine and tranny. It has 90k on the clock. Im assuming that it hasnt rolled over since the interior is so nice.


Could someone give me some more details as to what is involved with the motor swap. Also what parts will transfer over from the original 305? I need to save money anywhere i can.

Also are these trucks really as simple as they look. Im so used to having to work around wires and being limited on motor work because of the computer. This almost seems too easy. Im sure it will seem harder once i start tearing into it.

[PhilaTruck]

82 was the first year for the 700r4 and the early models (27 spline) are notorious for their lack of strength. I'm guessing it also has 2.73 gears with that combo. A word of caution: Don't put too much power in front of that drivetrain.

Why not rebuild the 305? Do you know, was your Grandpa happy with the power 5-6 years ago? Does he need a 350?

[PhilaTruck]

BTW: Here's the first post (advert) from a Google search for "GM crate motor." It'll give you a good idea.

crateenginedepot.com

I never dealt with them so cannot recommend either way.

BTW- welcome aboard.

[paintslinga2010]

Ive heard lots of bad things about 305s (underpowered, weak) It seemed to me like it wouldnt be a real truck without a 350 in it. My grandpa used to own muscle cars back in the day. He likes power.

[f.monroe]

Sounds like a nice truck to work on Jacob . If I were looking for a nice crate engine , I woul call the dealer . GM sells a replacement 350 longblock for around $1500 . It even has a warranty .
Frank

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by paintslinga2010

Ive heard lots of bad things about 305s (underpowered, weak) It seemed to me like it wouldnt be a real truck without a 350 in it. My grandpa used to own muscle cars back in the day. He likes power.

305s can be quite peppy not like a 350.. but they can have some get up and go.

[84 400]

should be a 700r4 if it is an OD trans. On the motor swap the block is the same so U can reuse the starter water pump pulleys ect. these swaps are pretty easy and should not take you long at all. everything should bolt right up.

[JohnC]

Welcome to the board, and sounds like you have a nice project. Just a word of advice...WE LOVE PICS!!!

On my old 84 I rebuilt the 305, and put in the cam that the Z28's had in them. It was really peppy, and surprised a few people. At the time it was great, but looking back, and now on my current 84 I'm going with a 350. Both are really good engines. It really just comes down to opinion of the person who's doing it.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Damien]

The 305 and 350 engine blocks are the same except for the bore size. The 305 has a 3.875" bore and the 350 has a 4.000" bore. Anything that can be bolted on a 350 block will bolt onto a 305 block. If you are going to get a reman engine and want a 350, most places will not except a 305 as a core.

As stated above, the transmission you have is a 700R4. 1982 was the first year for that trans and they are not known to be very good. Later model year 700R4s are better.

As far as the removal of the engine, there are two engine mounts. One on each side of the engine. The six bellhousing bolts and three bolts that connect the flex plate to the torque converter. It is pretty simple, but you might want to get a service manual for reference.

I think you will find that GM vehicles are less complicated then Fords. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.