MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

Ok I want to upgrade my engine I have debated swapping in a 350,or keeping my stock 305 and adding new heads camshaft etc. I want 300 or more horsepower and I know that this isnt that hard of a goal to obtain, I have also debated sticking with my tbi set up or switching over to carb. I have a budget of 3500 including what it will cost to have the engine installed. What should I do, there is a custom motor shop near me that I will probbly go with but I am looking for ideas and advice on what I should do to get the most bang for my buck while still keeping it within my budget, I intally planned on spending closer to 4500 to 5000 for this project but I just got engaged so most of my money is going to be tied up in the wedding. Thanks for any info or advice

camaronewbie

Definitely go 350 - too hard/expensive to get 1hp per cube out of a 305.

MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

yeah Im leaning more towards a 350, any body have suggestions about how to do this and stay on budget.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Stay single

You don't need a "custom motor shop" ;$$$$
For your needs there are plenty of places around that can build you a strong, reliable engine without a lot of expensive unneeded extras or buy a off the shelf crate engine
On your budget the factory Vortec heads are probably best bang for $$ and a Vortec block uses all the same parts you already have on the 305 ; flexplate / WP / accessories.

Consider this a top dollar and work down
Brand new Vortec crate engine. 330Hp ( with carb ) $ 2900
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/350-...007-P18C2.aspx

Excellent base for future mods when you have more $$$ ;
4 bolt mains , roller cam ,Only need Vortec intake , HEI dist and carb

How about a rebuilt 350Hp 350 Vortec engine for $2550
http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=HP32

They even do a Drop-In 350 Engine Special ready to run engine complete with everything including with 3 yr warranty and free shipping for $2500
http://www.chevy350engines.com/
More $$ to spend on wedding

Pays to shop around ; best deals may be out of town even after paying for shipping

camaronewbie

Should be easy to stay in a $3500 budget. I had $1800 budget and did it - snagged a used 350 off craigslist for $600 carb to pan complete, spent $500 on a tranny rebuild, $400 for headers/exhaust, $300 misc.

Granted, my 350 is old and no hp monster, but it runs great and it's 10x more fun than my 305 ever was!

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Sticking with TBI isn't a bad idea, IMO.

Here's one approach: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...i-buildup.html

MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info guys. Hey Vetteoz would you happen to know how much hp that 2500 drop in special has and I assume all of those options you gave will work with my 700r4 tranny and will take my asserioes off my engine already right?

MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

What about this one would it work with my water pump, accessories,flex plate, balancer etc. I know I will have to get a manifold and a carb.
It is the 350 with 290hp
https://store.gmperformanceparts.com/store/SelectProd.do?prodId=7665&redir=true&manufacturer=GM&category=Engines&name=350/290%20HP%20Economy%20Performance%20Engine%20&model=%3C!--12499529--%3E

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Need new flexplate ;
290Hp engine is based on the old 2 pce RMS block with a flat tappet cam ; your 305 is late model with 1 pce RMS and roller cam

If you plan any Hp upgrades in the future ( after wife/ kids / house ), well worth spending the extra $$$ now to step up to a roller cam , 4 bolt block

And a dist to suit carb engine

MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

I also found this one from phoenix engines, I have read alot of good reports on them and they seem to be a good company what do you guys think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...Q5fAccessories

camaronewbie

Wow - didn't think of it before - if you are going carbed anyway, why not do a LS1 swap? Not sure on 'average' cost of the swap, but I've seen a few locals get a nice used LS1 motor for $1000 complete (might have been an exceptionally good deal, I don't know). You can carb an LS1 easily. I think there's particulars about motor mounts, and choice of headers, but I'd think you could go LS1 for $3500 easily. And it's easy to get 400hp from an LS1.

DeltaElite121

Unless you get an auto, that 6-speed swap hikes the cost up a LOT.. also keep in mind while it is easier to get 400HP from an LS1 - it's not cheaper. Just getting a good intake for an LS1 will run you $1,000-$1,200. That's a whole lot of money for a piece of plastic. I am not against an LSx swap, but you do need to have very good connections and deeper pockets to be able to afford it.

camaronewbie

Never heard of anyone buying a $1000 intake. Have seen a few folks get complete LS1 motor for $1000 though. And if going carbed, the carb intake is less than $500.

PO has an automatic already. Ought to find a complete LS1 totalled car for $3500 easy!

T-56 goes for $1500 - get a LS1 for $1500, still have cash to spare for the particulars (mounts, etc).

Patience and shopping around really pays off. No one suggested he get a LSx crate complete package.

DeltaElite121

I'm not suggesting that either, just merely speaking from experience as I've had both motors. Dollar per HP the LS1 is cheaper, but it does costs more to get there. + I don't see the benefits of running carbed when the fuel injection is already there and by the time you buy the carb and intake, you're already up to the cost of a FAST intake - not to mention the computer is fairly friendly to adjustments and tuning.

MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

I thought about an Ls1 upgrade but I would want to do it right and I dont have the funds to do that right now I have owned my car for like 7yrs and I dont plan on selling it anytime soon. Does anybody have an opinion about the pheniox engine.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Would be better to save $1000 and buy this one off them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...item19c333422c

Supply carb and dist of your choice
You have to reuse all your front accessories anyway so no point paying for stuff you can't use ( pulleys. etc )

DeltaElite121

That's pretty BA right there. Could make some serious power with that motor on the cheap.

MSRed91Camaro

iTrader: (2)

So you guy think that there a decent motor for the price, and that the motors look good? I only ask because even though I have good things about them sometimes things are to good to be true, you know.