Thread: 305 - (again)

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Sorry guys - hate to beat this to death but is there ANYTHING good about the 85' 305 TPI engine? No way to make it into at least a decent cruiser? It's going into a 46' Ford 2 dr. If not than should I go with a crate motor or go the YARD route and build one. Doing the work is no problem. Many thanks.

Just trying to find the most economical way to go -

Charly, 305's don't lift anyone's skirt, but independent of people with a negative outlook on the world, and judged on their own they were "functional". The TPI system functioned well, and has been used in millions of cars. If you're not going for outright performance, and don't intend to drive the car any more aggressively than the Camaros, Firebirds, and whatever else these engines came in you shouldn't be too disappointed. After all, your car weighs less than either of those mentioned above.

The negative comes in the image department. Nearly everyone who sees a Chev small block is conditioned to think 350, and of course there MUST be something wrong with an engine that's smaller. This is the good old US of A and more is better. Rodding mentality just multiplies that line of reasoning. So, you lose points by having a smaller engine, and some day when you go to sell it the marketplace will "punish" you by not valuing the car as highly for not having the larger engine.

If some time in the future you wanted to boost power, the built in limitations that you've (hopefully) read about in other threads archived here will come to roost. If the engine will require rebuilding now or in the not too distant future, then getting a fresh 350 (or larger if you want) would be a better way to go.

thanks Uncle Bob - appreciate your knowledge!

I would say get a 350 and fit it with dual quad intake running 650 cfm carbs or get a tri power intake with rodchester 2gc carbs.

Thanks Matt - maybe I will

Charley, if you want gas mileage and ok performance use the 305 and a 700-R auto. If you want tire blistering action use a 350. I am tired of paying for fuel as I use my cars for long haul cruizin. I'm using a junkyard low mile (60,000) 305-700R unit in my 57 Pontiac sedan delivery. I will use the money I save on a used 305 engine/tranny and fuel savings on air conditioning. 305=Cheap and economical. My 28 A on the other hand has a 327 and tri-power. No hood or fenders so has to be a looker. Fordnutz.
website: http://groups.msn.com/goldenoldiesvintagetin

I put a 305 TPI in my S10 Blazer. Didn't have any problems. If i had to do it again and had the 305 laying around. I'd put it in again. When people hear 305 i guess the compare it to a 6 banger.
If you already have the 305 and your going to just cruise, then go with it. You can always go 350 TPI later