My first car was a 76 el camino with a 305. Since then I have driven plenty of autos and currently have a 5 litre vortek equivalent to 305. As a 16 year old kid in the country doing anything just to see what will happen, I have done more than alot of people. I know from experience the 305 will tow up to a 25 foot ski boats/ fishing boat, a fully loaded 2 horse trailer (approx 3500-4000 lbs), or 2500 lbs of oats with absolutely no problem. A transmission fluid and oil cooler is a good addition. The 305 itself is a simple engine to work on in and out of the truck. My personal opinion is the only difference in the 305 and 350 is the horsepower and fuel usage. The 305 will get between 15 and 18 mpg stock. On the street the 305 is a great machine, and with a few aftermarket products it will lay a strip of rubber on the road.