Just bought a 78 with a 305. Is the 305 intake the same as a 350?
What are good mods for the 305 Engine short of pulling and replacing. This is my sons first car and just looking to improve on the 140 HP so that the ricer don't smoke him!

Thanks

 

there is alot you can do to the 305 but for the cost just buy a 350 and be done with it it will be cheaper in the long run

 

All 1986 and earlier small block Chevies can use the same intake. (Provided the heads haven't been swapped for newer ones.) An inexpensive intake like the Edelbrock Performer (P/N 3701 w/ EGR) and a 4bbl carb would make a nice improvement.

I'd also look at freeing up the exhaust with a true dual exhaust system. A 2.5-inch system and some free flowing turbo or flowmaster mufflers should make a huge difference.

 

Is the car a 4-speed or 3-speed auto? Check out www.nastyz28.com --- for each year there is some good specific information about engine options, tranny options, and gear options. Try to figure out what gears are in the car (even if you just jack the car up and count it manually) and determine whether it's got a posi or not. 3.42's are a very nice streetable gear (with either the 4-speed or an auto), although if your son won't be doing much highway driving, then you should even consider 3.73's because they'll make the car that much quicker off the line. According to nasty's charts, 78's had either 3.08's w/standard tranny, or 2.41's with an auto! GET RID OF THOSE, and enjoy some quick acceleration.

The Edelbrock Performer intake is a very good intake for a street application (I had one on the 383 in my '81 Z28) and a 4-barrel carb is a MUST! Aftermarket cams are also cheap, plentiful, and not too hard to install (and they'll make a huge difference).

Good choice of car for your son's first car!!!