85_305

Ok, so I install a cam. I have the stock heads.. what needs to be done to my 197k engine?
Lifters, rockers, springs and pushrods. Anything else?
And can people direct me in the direction of good, but cheap things I will need for my heads? Thanx all,
Matt

Scrote

You will need new springs...is it a duel pattern camshaft? I would probably make sure you are running a camshaft with more duration and lift on the exhaust side if you are running the stock heads/manifolds...

As far as the heads...there is really not a whole lot you can do...rebuild them, or go with an aluminum head, but on a 305 good luck finding a good one.

I would pull the 305 and get a 350....JMO

teke184

wow.... with that many miles i would just suck it up and pull the engine. some place in the back of a car magazine there are adds for 350 small blocs with like 260hp for like $1300

Marc 85Z28

With 200,000 miles I agree completely. Installing a cam and beating the engine will result with more problems. I bought my 355 from Jasper, with World Products heads, a 4 bolt main 010 block, steel crank, and a "Class 1" performance cam for $1100 after core.

85_305

Well, after talking to friend Jim today, (an OLD school hotrodder) we have decided that it would be best to completely redo the engine. We are gonna yank the engine, get new cam, redo the heads (maybe new ones ) new crank bearings/main bearings, etc..

Pneumatic_Tire

Hey matt, gald to see you decided to just do it all at once. You will be glad you did it this way when you are done, even though it means no camaro for a while longer. Also, gald to see you want to keep the 305, but wiegh the options some. Add up what you are planning on putting into the 305 parts wise, and see if it makes it worth it. If your estimated price ends up being pretty high in comparison with a 350, go with the 350. You'll end up getting more bang for your buck.

85_305

Hey John! Well, no more 'Marrow till NEXT SUMMER *cries*, but all in all, it will deff. be worth it to have a basically brand new, bullit-proof car I want to keep the 305, just to brag to that RX7 ******, and 96-Mustang ****** that I have a wee-wittle-engine.

85_305

Plus.. I think I can find most all parts pretty darned cheap.

Pneumatic_Tire

Great. You know I like 305's myself, and that's basically because everyone else thinks they are crappy. People tend to shut up when I lite em up and their heads get knocked off the headrest. So I'm all for the 305 rebuild. I only suggested that because if you end up putting a grand of so into the 305, you could easily get a yard 350 block for super cheap, and go from there. But hey, I say build that 305 back up and shut some people up for good.

Good luck man, you know how to reach me if you have any questions.

aklim

If you are going to rebuild, look into getting a 383. No replacement for displacement

Tru2Chevy

.....except boost

- Justin

85_305

John, I know how you feel about 305's, and I feel the same. People are gonna get their asses whomped by a "pathetic, small, 305"! I am thinking that the rebuild will cost NO MORE than $800.. but I dunno. THat would be with all hi-perf stuff, too! And there is ONE replacement for displacement.. lack of budget But if I had the option.. there would be a f'in 400 in there right now, w/ a nice set of AFR heads, and a T56. (Or maybe even an LT4 or LT5!)

ws6transam

Do us a favor and tally up all your receipts, then post an itemized total when you are done. I'd be interested to see how you get a performance rebuild for $800. Your pistons alone will end up being $240, and your gaskets will be another $100. New belts are $40. Your halfway there, and still havent bought any bearings, cam, valvesprings, rocker arms, piston rings, or machine work.

85_305

I am not getting pistons. Belts are fine.
But let's do a quick tally:
cam- 100
lifters- 20-40
rockers- 40-80
pushrods-40
piston rings- Dunno
any type of needed bearings- Dunno
Intake- Have
Carb- Have
headers- 125
cat- 47

That about finishes it. Anyone able to fill in the "Dunno" 's i left in there?

ws6transam

Let's see:
You need some more stuff:
FelPro R.A.C.E. gasket kit (remainder to assemble complete engine) ($40)
.015" thick TPI 305 Head gaskets, coated steel (About $30 each)
Used Y-pipe for your headers $100
Used cat-back exhaust (unless you have one already) $100
Two gallons of antifreeze $10
Timing Chain $20
Timing chain bolt retainer $5
New rod bolts
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Then there's the machine work for the engine block:

Cylinder hone
Cam bearing removal & reinstall
Block cleaning

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Are you going to do any performance work in terms of piston balance, rod balance, crank balance & journal polish?