Thread: 305 to 350

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Hey folks, I am new to this forum. In fact, I am new to cars altogether. I've been strictly 2 wheels for years. Anyway, I just bought a 1988 Chevy Caprice with a 305 in it. Low miles, runs great, but it's a slug. I want a little more hp and a lot more torque. I am getting a 350 soon, and I am not sure what will or won't fit. A couple people said that any 350 will bolt right up to the tranny, but some engines I've looked at say that they only fit certain years. What should I look for?


Thanks for the time and help.

Simple.....Is the 350 a two piece rear main or a one piece?

I'm not sure, but I guess I can find out. Is that all I need to know? Which will fit?

It depends on the year. One piece units have a different flexplate and starter nose not to mention externally balanced. Match the starter and flexplate to the year of the motor and run with it. Exhaust and stuff will go good. If you're not sure how to identify, look at the rear crank flange. Smooth and round, one piece. Balancing flange outside the center of the flexplate/flywheel mount surface, two piece. Would be nice to have the Julian date off of the block. It could help us tell you which without being there to look at it.

Cool, I'll check it out. Uhhh, where exactly would I find it. Remember, this is all new to me. Again, thanks for your help!

The number from the 350 is 14016379. 4 bolt main. I'm workin on gettin the numbers off of my 305

77-79 vintage. Available as a 2 or 4 bolt version. So it's a two piece rear main. If your 305 is an OEM 88, you'l just need to swap the flexplate and starter.

Simple enough. Thanks!