Thread: going rate for nicely rebuilt 305

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I've got a 305 chevy engine I'm thinking about rebuilding as my first project. If it goes well and runs well, about what could I sell it for? I read the posts concerning the 350, but this one would be completely rebuilt. I may add a few performance parts, but I don't know if there's a dyno in my area to find out the final horsepower. If I keep it all stock, I should be able to come up with a rough figure for horsepower, and be able to accurately price it. Any suggestions?

Before you get to deep in this I would call one of the bigger GM dealers in your area and price a NEW 305 crate engine and ask about the warrenty.

I would then all 1 or 2 of the more reputable rebuilders in the area and ask the same questions.

Finally check with the same with chain stores in your area (Auto Zone, Checker etc).

These are going to be the places you are competing with.


I'm sure you have already priced the cost of rebuilt kits, but unless you are doing this as a school project (HS shop/trade school) and have access to machine shop equiptment you need to contact athe machine shop that is going to be doing the work and get prices on the following:

Cleaning (hot tanking/baking etc)
Boring and honing
Installing cam bearing
Decking if necessary
Checking the heads for cracks
Valve guides
Valve job

Prices/demand does vary from region to region so you need to find out what it is for you locally. After you add all this up can your engine compete price wise?

Finally when it's time to sell the motor how are you prepared to stand behind it if the new owner has problems (either self-inflicted or from your work)?


I'm not trying to talk you out of this, but I don't want to see you put a lot of time and money into a motor you either have to sell at a loss or are stuck with.

Well, a few things considered, I have an experienced gearhead to walk me through some of the steps, so some work will be free. The machining will still have to be done by a shop. I have a set of good heads to put on it, if stock heads from a 350 will be any count. It's the small things I still need to learn.

Whether or not the engine will sell, I plan on rebuilding it for the practice. The income from selling it, if any, will fund the 350 for my 81 Firebird. My father-in-law, (afore mentioned gearhead), gave me a freshly rebuilt 350 as a wedding gift. It was rebuilt with all new parts, by the president of the biggest local car club (not saying much for this small town.) He does it as a hobby, and I trust somebody who does it for the love of it more than somebody doing it for money.

The only thing holding me back is lack of funding. I'm currently in the process of getting better heads, the first item on the list. A good intake manifold will follow, as well as a cam and carb that are well matched with the heads and intake. I'll probably go Edelbrock on as much of it as I can, so I can get parts designed to work together. At some point later on, a complete exhaust upgrade will be done.

That will probably be the extent of the engine work, as I'd like to be able to cruise around in it when I'm done. Gas prices the way they are, I don't want too much. Oh, and my wife is scared of my driving enough as it is. Silly woman.