Re: getting me a 350

by JB2wheeler Sun Aug 01, 2010 8:59 pm

Actually, that would be a good engine for a lightweight car like a Nova or something that did not require a lot of torque to get it moving. JB

by pila Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:40 am

Many folks don't think much of a 305, but it did what it was built for. I had one in my "77 El Camino when I bought it new, and it was underpowered for a heavy car alright. It wound up in my '76 SS El Camino when I put a 400 in the '77. I used a Comp Cams HE252 cam in the 305 when I put it in the '76, and it did bring the little engine to life a bit, but of course the '76 was no light weight either. Picking a cam for a low compression engine needs some thought, because a long duration can sometimes make even less power than the stock cam, due to intake closing later, and other factors.

by TWBouska AKA Wooderson Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:37 pm

pila wrote: Many folks don't think much of a 305, but it did what it was built for.

i agree...my 74 elco had one in it when i bought it (not original motor, the car was ordered with a 350-4 barrel) but it had some cam in it, and it was a decent motor...my 350 before i put cam, heads, intake, and headers on it was actually i think weaker than that 305 my car came with.

by TWBouska AKA Wooderson Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:38 pm

i just dont get why people ever use 305s when theres been more 350s made and their basically the same price.

by The Dude Tue Aug 03, 2010 9:35 am

I could see using a 305 in something like a Vega, S10, or 3rd gen Camaro like JB said. Plenty of power for a daily driver in a car that light if you add headers, a 4bbl, & a mild cam. 250-300hp in a 3000lb car feels a lot different than in a 4000lb car. In our heavy rides they just have no place. I had a 305 for a while & it sucked, but I can't argue the fact that it was reliable & got decent gas mileage.

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