Rebuild cost

[BillGent]

First of all, I'm new to this board. Second of all I know NUTTIN about rebuilding an engine so I need to have it done. I have a 81 Chevy C-10 Silverado with a 305 5.0, 4 barrel carb with 147,000 miles on it. I am the second owner, the first was by brothers next door neighbor. I bought it for $700 bucks as an emergency driver after my 97 Chrysler burned to the ground then went to hades from where she was from. I have put about $1500 in it to rebuild the transmission, A/C and carburator. I have been asked several times why I put this much money into it and I only have one answer...Love is blind. I learned to drive in my Dads 73 GMC 1/2 ton. The truck is Butt-Ugly but I felt like 'Hoss' was pleading with me to restore him to his greatness. I feel like if I do this, he will last another 22 years or more. I always take good care of my autos. I started having some engine problems so I took it to a mechanic (whom I used to trust) who said I had low compression in two cylinders and a total rebuild would be $2900 bucks. Even in my vast cluelessness I knew that was ridiculous. I cant rebuild it myself even though I would love to. I just dont know how. My budget is limited but if I have this engine rebuilt all the major expense stuff will be dealt with. Now, my question. How much should I be expecting to spend for an installed long block rebuild? Thanks!

[MSL]

If it was me i would buy a new crate 350 and have it installed it would be cheaper than having the 305 rebuilt plus you would get more out of your 350. if you have a place to work on your truck you could swap the engine out yourself. But if you feel like you dont want to do that i would buy a engine and have it installed.

[apstguy]

This is the response for most people that have a 305 crapping out: Put a 350 crate in. A 305 isn't worth all that much and isn't worth any performance parts. Even getting a used rebuilt 350 is better than rebuiling your 305. I still love my 305 though!

[CT-Truckster]

i agree with the other guys, its certainly not worth 2900 bucks to rebuild a 305. since you have to have someone else to do the work for i would suggest buy a gm crate motor such as this one http://www.paceparts.com/product.asp?3=3169 and have some one swap it out for you. your accesories and intake and carb and all from the 305would swap over to the new 350 if you didnt want to spend any money on go fast goodies like intake ,carb and headers and such. and you would have a brand new motor that would last longer than any rebuild. you could prob swap it out yourself, it would be a good learning experience.

[79BIG10]

Welcome to the board I have to agree with everyone as well. The 305 was not and is not a very desireable engine because for about the same price if not a little more you can get a 350 long block and have more power. I would look at a crate engine as everyone else has mentioned as well. GM has excellent warranties on most of their stock or mild replacement engines. Later on you can always upgrade items you didn't at that time. If you want a new complete engine with a new serpentine system (one belt system rather than 3) Pace Parts also has those ready to bolt in. Same item as above but with all new accesories as well. For the price you can't beat it. Plus a company that will actually stand behind their warranty for sure. Not some shop that could close down any time and you're out of luck.

[BillGent]

Ahhhh...More power...I'm surely gonna get in trouble if I do that but what the heck..I work in a Law office and I wont have to pay to get my ticket worked on.....The 305 doesn't have enough power for me, your right! It WILL spin the back tires as long as its raining...and you coat the tires with crisco. Since I see you live in DFW as I do..where would you go to get the work done? You know any local good shops, preferably in FW/Arlington?

[old Rusty C10]

welcome to the board i for one agree with the others get a crate 350 and have it installed or install it yourself.. if ya want the ONLY other rebuilt type of motor i would trust is a Jasper rebuilt they are very good , and ya find them nationwide but mostly in the north east. Alot of guys i know swear by them and ive had a few in my day too.
A rebuilt crate motor will cost about $1800 and ya should be able to swap one out for about $300 having someone do it for ya

[solidaxel]

I also vote for the crate engine as I was informed here on the board. Check the part number from your local chevy dealer #12513151 and take a print out from some of the web sites for there deal on the same engine # and see how close it comes tax vs. shipping from your local dealers! I am trying to deal with my local dealer to keep the money here in town but that is not the only reason I like doing business with a face and voice in person when I am handing over larg sums of Money!!!
I know this is not a Rocket engine by any means but is most complete and has a roller cam and decent heads for a replacement engine in my old 55 GMC. Good Luck on your decision and welcome to the board

[79BIG10]

I did mine myself with some friends. I live east of Plano so I really don't know of any shops that way. If I could help you let me know and a few of us in the area could help you with the swap. Also might post here and see if someone may know of one as well. http://www.southernbowties.com/phpBB2/index.php

[alf4444]

I agree with the crate motor Idea. I was in your same situation, rebuild cost was way more than a new crate motor, although i opted to take my time (limited funds) and replace EVERYTHING, only because i still have my 97 as a daily driver. Well its a daily driver for now heee heee heee, thats my evil laugh.

[BillGent]

Thanks so much guys! I know youve saved me some disappointment in the near future. I'll be asking performance questions soon I think. I really know nuttin about cars and trucks but Im not so afraid that im gonna get hosed now, with yalls help..thanks again!