Building up a 305

[Pro Performance]

I have been on the fence, due to budget, on rebuilding the 305 already in my '84 chevy truck or doing a 350. I know most will say do the 350, but because I am on a tight budget, is building the 305 in there that bad?

I plan on putting a thumpr cam in it (more for sound, not maximum potential gains), and a set of vortec heads.

What are you guys thoughts? I just want something that is fun to drive, has a little power and sounds good. It wont be a drag strip truck.

Will the 350 vortec heads work on a 305?

[nbpro]

http://forums.hotrod.com/70/7555656/...-me/index.html
http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&s...hevytrucks.com

http://www.montecarloss.com/communit...&Number=747376

[sandblaster]

hotrod did an article where they built up a 305 with vortec heads, flat top pistons, and a competition cam, and it made 330 horsepower.

[sandblaster]

hot rod also did another article called 305, power lack or power pack. it was also a good read, but it was before vortec heads came out. 87 i think. vortec heads will wake a 305 up. but it would be just as cheap to build a 350. the core engine would be the only other cost.

[Pro Performance]

My original thought was to just leave the 305 as is, and put the vortec heads (already have them) on with a new cam.

Instead of boring it to a 350 or getting a rebuilt shortblock. It will sav me about $900, and for what it is, it might run alright. Like you guys said, I am hoping the heads and cam really wake it up some.

[nbpro]

STROKER Kit
http://www.speedomotive.com/ps-26-8-...crank-kit.aspx

[LiveAnimals]

A buddy at work built a 335 stroker out of his 305 w/a 400 crank

[Pro Performance]

After reading those links and everything, I think I will be just fine building up the 305. It will be in my budget also.

I really want a lumpy idle and was thinking that Thumpr cam, but the compression might be a little low. Maybe have to go with something like the XE268.

[tazman87]

if your going to put vortec heads on then you must change water pump, pulley system, cam, intake which is plastic to match up with the vortec heads. and i can't remember what else. my old man was thinking doing so on his 95 chev motor throttle body which is in his 46. in the end. alot of work.

unless you have a vortec motor, i wouldn't bother.


in my case i have a 305 in my 84 as well. but single plane edelbrock aluminum intake with a carb spacer for my QJ and have gained power. but i do plan on rebuilding it over the winter

[Pro Performance]

There isn't all that involved. All I need to do is get a vortec style intake, and I am good to go. I am pulling the q-jet and putting on a edelbrock carb. My old belt system and everything will work fine.

I have already done this before on a '85 chevy I use to own.

[mooseknuckles]

If you already have the parts...why not?.....not like they wont fit a 350 also!
let us know how it goes.

[3r!c84]

id throw in some flat tops to bump of the compresion then it would be pretty good on power