Changes required for a 305 swap?
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What fuel system are you using on the 305? That will determine the wiring required. Why waste your time on a measly 305. 350 is exact same process and a bunch more power with the same fuel mileage. Why a TH350? They're antiques. Use a 700R4.
If I find an affordable 350 I will go that route, I’ve already found a $50 complete 305 that a guy just wants out of his way, came in the basement of his new house and he wants it gone. $50 dollar engine and rebuild it myself I’ll be happy. I have not purchased this engine yet and do plan on searching for 350s, I’m going to stick with a mechanical fuel pump and 4 barrel carb for the fuel system (I actually like carbs) I’m not familiar with 700r4s will they bolt to 350s? What would be required to use a 700r4?
Thank you!
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10,868 Posts
Don't know whether you have moved on this
Since there are so many kits to do this swap...
You will need a different transmission - the S10 will not fit.
This swap is pretty easy, but there are a crap ton of hidden costs
1. Radiator
2. Driveshaft
3. Swap kit
4. Headers
5. Exhaust system
6. Transmission
7. Lots of miscellaneous hardware and fasteners.
If the engine is TBI or injection... add a ton of other stuff
To do this right - figure close to $2k.
You can weasel out with cheap stuff, but it will bite you.
Since there are so many kits to do this swap...
You will need a different transmission - the S10 will not fit.
This swap is pretty easy, but there are a crap ton of hidden costs
1. Radiator
2. Driveshaft
3. Swap kit
4. Headers
5. Exhaust system
6. Transmission
7. Lots of miscellaneous hardware and fasteners.
If the engine is TBI or injection... add a ton of other stuff
To do this right - figure close to $2k.
You can weasel out with cheap stuff, but it will bite you.
Joined
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3 Posts
Yes... do the 350. The 305 has such limitations with the valves and cylinder bores its not worth it. Bigger valves will crash into the deck unless clearanced... their porting isn't great either.
305's are why a Luv on CL has been for sale for over two years... not to mention it has a THM400. A friend recently got a '41 and is going to swap out it's 305 for a 350 or 383.
383s are common now and can be had from Escalades too.
Happy hunting!
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16,838 Posts
What year or model Escalade had the 383?
2000 were L31 5.7
2002 was either 5.3 or 6.0
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1,072 Posts
Thanks to how common parts are, it's cheaper to rebuild a 350 than 305. Cheaper core doesn't always mean cheaper end product.
Go through all the trouble and once you run it hard as you can, you'll wonder what it would have been like if you'd listened to voices of reason.
More torque, more horsepower and very similar fuel economy.
Better yet, get an inexpensive stroker kit for a 1-pc roller 5.7L block and you'll have much more power than you can stick to the ground on the street.
Of course, then you'll want a 454.....
Go through all the trouble and once you run it hard as you can, you'll wonder what it would have been like if you'd listened to voices of reason.
More torque, more horsepower and very similar fuel economy.
Better yet, get an inexpensive stroker kit for a 1-pc roller 5.7L block and you'll have much more power than you can stick to the ground on the street.
Of course, then you'll want a 454.....
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10,868 Posts
Hmmm,
I would probably not rebuild the 305. I bet you could bolt it in and go. Why would someone save a 305 that needs a rebuild?
Afterthought... There are some goofy people out there.
BTW, I had a 305 in a '70 C10 that had a mild cam, headers, stock spread bore aluminum small block intake and a Carter Thermoquad on it... (Remember those?)
It had enough bag to SHRED a Saginaw iron 4 speed box.
No, it GRENADED it.
I was surprised at how (sort of) quick it was.
Everybody thinks that 305s are garbage - BUT - if it's $50 cheap??
You can still make a 305 perform okay. It's not going to run 10 seconds, it will still roll an S10 down the road better than a 2.5.
AND - all of the performance parts (if you go that route) will bolt into a 350 - if you decide or find one later.
Moral of story...
Confucius say: Cheap 305 good for fun.
I would probably not rebuild the 305. I bet you could bolt it in and go. Why would someone save a 305 that needs a rebuild?
Afterthought... There are some goofy people out there.
BTW, I had a 305 in a '70 C10 that had a mild cam, headers, stock spread bore aluminum small block intake and a Carter Thermoquad on it... (Remember those?)
It had enough bag to SHRED a Saginaw iron 4 speed box.
No, it GRENADED it.
I was surprised at how (sort of) quick it was.
Everybody thinks that 305s are garbage - BUT - if it's $50 cheap??
You can still make a 305 perform okay. It's not going to run 10 seconds, it will still roll an S10 down the road better than a 2.5.
AND - all of the performance parts (if you go that route) will bolt into a 350 - if you decide or find one later.
Moral of story...
Confucius say: Cheap 305 good for fun.
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