Head Porting
04-25-2004, 06:50 PM
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 87
If you have headers, exhaust, and are willing to get a cam to match the flow of the heads, then yes. You can port them yourself for less than $100, if you are willing to do some work and research. If you pay someone to do it, the price varies. But expect to pay at least $400-$500, in which case it may be a better idea to go with a cheap aftermarket head like a World Torquer 305.
04-25-2004, 07:47 PM
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Dubuque, IA/ Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 34
Doing any work on the 305 that isn't free or VERY cheap doesn't make any sense. The gains you will get from spending the money will be very small. Had you spent the money on a 350 you would be much better off. My advice would be to find a 350 buildable core and whenever you feel like spending money on the 305 buy a part for the 350. It might take you a year to get it together but it will be a great learning expreience and you will have a lot more pride.
04-26-2004, 12:25 PM
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Holland, NY
Posts: 1,610
Well, I dont have any money anymore cuz there is nowhere to work around here w/out a car/liscense..
So my 305 is my only option.
I am 16, so I need not a 120+mph car in the 1/4.
280, maybe 300 hp will be perfect for me, as well as 300, maybe a lil more, torque.
After my exahaust (plus headers), Carb, Intake, Cam, and lifters, I should EASILY be in the 300hp/tq range.
I am just wondering if head porting would be worth it, or just getting like L98 heads, or LT1 heads, or something would be better.
So my 305 is my only option.
I am 16, so I need not a 120+mph car in the 1/4.
280, maybe 300 hp will be perfect for me, as well as 300, maybe a lil more, torque.
After my exahaust (plus headers), Carb, Intake, Cam, and lifters, I should EASILY be in the 300hp/tq range.
I am just wondering if head porting would be worth it, or just getting like L98 heads, or LT1 heads, or something would be better.
04-26-2004, 12:47 PM
#6
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 151
I really dont mean to sound like a jerk but you will not be at 300 HP on a 305 TBI with those upgrades. The heads are junk and do not flow worth a squat. And by throwing a cam with more lift than stock and a larger intake and carb it will not feel that good. Your best bet is to go to the aftermarket and buy a set of heads if you plan on keeping the 305.
Trust me, I have been down the same route. I was thinking...man I am going to make this 305 run since I have no money. Now I have a 350 sitting in the garage with a cam, crank, rods, etc. waiting on some pistons and then it is off to be machined. I am going to be spending right at $1500 for the entire thing and it will yeild me 350-400 rwhp (I hope).
Since you have no money I would really do a lot of research before you go buying parts hoping for the best, also ask a lot of questions.
Trust me, I have been down the same route. I was thinking...man I am going to make this 305 run since I have no money. Now I have a 350 sitting in the garage with a cam, crank, rods, etc. waiting on some pistons and then it is off to be machined. I am going to be spending right at $1500 for the entire thing and it will yeild me 350-400 rwhp (I hope).
Since you have no money I would really do a lot of research before you go buying parts hoping for the best, also ask a lot of questions.
04-26-2004, 03:10 PM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Holland, NY
Posts: 1,610
305 TBI
go to the aftermarket and buy a set of heads
$1500
I would really do a lot of research before you go buying parts
A common mistake people make is they buy so and so's cam, Joe's Intake, sam's heads etc. Look at what the faster people are running and try shoot for the same system as they are using.
04-26-2004, 03:52 PM
#9
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Republic of Western Canada
Posts: 550
You can get some junkyard 305 heads (601, 416 or 081 castings) for about $30 and port and polish them to make excellent power for cheap. About $400 all told, and that includes everything.
Follow the link at the end of my sig.
By the way, Chevy High Performance is doing a 305 TBI buildup on a 3rd gen in this month's issue, and are already approaching 300 hp.
Follow the link at the end of my sig.
By the way, Chevy High Performance is doing a 305 TBI buildup on a 3rd gen in this month's issue, and are already approaching 300 hp.
04-26-2004, 05:59 PM
#10
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Location: Holland, NY
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You can get some junkyard 305 heads
Chevy High Performance is doing a 305 TBI buildup
04-27-2004, 12:22 AM
#11
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Republic of Western Canada
Posts: 550
Originally posted by 85_305
What heads does my 305 have then? Whats the diff.?
What heads does my 305 have then? Whats the diff.?
04-27-2004, 03:23 PM
#12
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 151
The thing is, the build-up they were doing is costing them a crap load of money. Not many people can do what they are doing in their garage. If you are looking at that much money then just go larger.
Ok I understand that $1500 is a lot of money. How much is your budget?
I think the exhaust is the best thing to do but one thing to think about when it comes to headers is, will up upgrade to a 350 later? If, yes, then going to small tubes will only hinder you or if you aren't planning on doing it for a while then just go for the 1 5/8"
The LT1 heads will not match up without some major work done to them and you might as will buy ones that are made for the car. The L98 might work but you are probably better off doing what Sitting Bull said, those will be a lot cheaper than L98 heads.
Ok I understand that $1500 is a lot of money. How much is your budget?
I think the exhaust is the best thing to do but one thing to think about when it comes to headers is, will up upgrade to a 350 later? If, yes, then going to small tubes will only hinder you or if you aren't planning on doing it for a while then just go for the 1 5/8"
The LT1 heads will not match up without some major work done to them and you might as will buy ones that are made for the car. The L98 might work but you are probably better off doing what Sitting Bull said, those will be a lot cheaper than L98 heads.
04-27-2004, 05:33 PM
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Holland, NY
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It is just nicer and more convenient to work on a set other than the ones on your car, if it is your daily driver
How much is your budget?
I think the exhaust is the best thing
I am working on getting 1/5" mid-tubes now.. a friend might be giving me his off of his IROC.. he occasionaly looks this board over, maybe he will see my post.
I went to Machine Shop at my BOCES today.. they said that depending on "certain things", they can port, and do other assorted things w/ my heads. When asked about cost.. the teacher replied "Buy us a Pizza....... Maybe 2".. so I might be in good shape regarding that part of my "head-journey".
But as for budget.. I figure next summer, after I graduate, I will take a 3k loan out, and get the car going.. buying all neccesities.. this is after I find a job in another town, that is.
