How much potential power and torque could i expect from a 305ci V8 engine rebuild and upgrade?

[BrianC]

I have a 1977 chevy C10 pickup. At this time the engine running very strong. For future refrence i would like to know who may talk to concerning an engine upgrade. My truck has 108K miles and runs very well.  



My uncle`s camaro has the same engine.

The engine has very high mileage and lacks power is in need of a severe tune up.



Is a 305ci V8 limited is to how much it can be modified?



Also, I`ve heard many stories concerning Flowmaster vs. Magnaflow mufflers. What is the industries general concenus concerning the flow rates of these two exhaust systems?

[IanSouth]

Not worth the money or effort in my opinion. 350's are a tried and true engine thats a dime a dozen. The aftermarket is HUGE, the cost of just headers on a 305 is the same price as buying a 350 to throw in there.

[MadJack]

If you are going to go through all this effort, why not swap for a 350 Good Wrench motor.



290 HP for about $2000. You could easily spend that rebuilding your 305.



Will bolt right in



Go to the Summit Racing web site and search 12499529



This is a new engine with all new parts.  Not a rebuilt. Factory warranty



A 4-bolt main bearing block, aluminum pistons, and a hydraulic camshaft. Then they're topped with cast-iron cylinder heads that are designed to be extremely durable, while still providing good airflow through the engine.



Although not impossible, it would take a lot of work and money to get 290 horse power from a 305.  Most 305's are 2 bolt main blocks.  If you intend to do any serious modifications in the future, the 305 block is not the best choice.



There are many sources for this motor.



While you're at the Summit site, search item SUM-BBC100  This is a carb, intake, cam, and lifter kit.  In this same engine you will get 304 HP @ 5500 rpm and 345 ft.lbs. torque @ 3800 rpm.  This matched kit will take some of the guess work of matching components to finish your motor.  Cost will be about $480 for this upgrade.



If you really want to go all out, search the Summit site for item numbers SUM-CBB2 and SUM-BBC200. These are a bit more pricy.  But these kits will get you into the 420 horse power range.  If you go with one of these kits, I would start with a 350 short block without the heads as they are included with this kit.

[McGuyver]

305 motors arent worth modifying- they have small intake valves- new heads would be needed- i agree with the others- toss it and get a 350- they will get you 1 hp per cubic inch with bolt on gm parts