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| | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 46 | In my 48 Chevy i/2 ton I have installed a mustang two front suspension and am trying to decide on what engine to run, I have a 305 that needs a refreshing or rebuild. My other option is to buy a crate motor such as a new gm 350 for around 1500 from summit racing. I had also considered trying to find a good used 4.3 and convert it to carb but this seems a little pricey. Any help will be appreciated thanks, Barry | | | | | Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 336 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2015 Posts: 336 | I like the 283 and 327's myself.
1959 3100 Apache Fleetside
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 | The 305 you have can be made into a sweet engine. I've had several over the years and they served me well. |
I like the 283 and 327 as well, if you can get one reasonable.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,097 | I have installed several GM crate engines and have had success with them. Keep in mind that you still need to obtain intake & exhaust manifolds, carburetor, distributor, water pump, pulleys, flywheel, and other accessories which may cost another $800 to $1000. If you can find a complete running small block that may be the way to go. I have found in some cases that the cost of buying a used engine and having it rebuilt can cost as much or more than getting a crate engine and the related components.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | I would buy the 350 crate engine & use the parts & assec. off the 305.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | Do not waste money on a 305. Not a bad engine for it's day. Built for economy during the new smog requirements. Most parts will fit a 350. Especially external.(same stroke also) It is not very powerful compared to what a 350 can do with minimal "speed equipment". They are, however, very cheap to buy. Short block 350 crate with your 305 parts is probably a good idea, as WBender.Ret said. Get into the 4" bore world.  Makes no sense for you to build smaller that 350 except nostalgia/correctness. Cubic inches is as cubic inches does.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | Vortec 4200 from a Trailblazer/Envoy. 300 hp. Overdrive trans. You can probably buy a running donor vehicle with everything you need for about the same money as a new small block. | | |
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