Thread: Chevy 305 rebuild/remanufactured question

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Hey guys,

So, long story short, I tried to find a suitable motor to swap into my 1983 Monte Carlo... in California. As you may have guessed, even after finding some options, no shop around me wanted the hassle, I do not have the time myself, so I finally decided to keep it original with the 305.

My question is whether or not you would recommend a crate 305, have mine rebuilt and/or remanufactured. I am on a budget so cheaper the better, but if a crate is an overall wiser option in your opinion I would fork out the extra cost. I am just tired of dealing with mechanical issues that come from this old engine, it was poorly maintenced and tinkered with by the previous owner.

Also, I have called a shop for pricing on getting a crate/remanufactured engine with install and was told it could be up to $5k-$6k, but he could do the remanufacturing himself and it would include everything except a carb. Is this a little much, or is it fairly realistic? I know it's an engine thread, but I plan on putting a new (or likely just a rebuilt) transmission in also and he told me when it is all said and done I would be looking at $7k-$8? Just looking for advice and thoughts and any words of wisdom to keep cost down. I realize I am very limited because I am having someone do all the labor, but thought it was worth asking.

Thanks all in advance!

Denny is right, you will never be happy with a 305 (at least I wasn't, literally the worst motor I ever had), a 350 or even a 383 and the family of gen 1 small blocks are all physically the same size, opt to get another ci small block, that 305 was a smogger motor and couldn't pull its own weight. Be patient also, my buddy just sold a 383 out of a show car with 4k miles on it, edelbrock aluminum heads, quick fuel carb and complete carb to pan for 800 bucks, the deals are out there all the time on small blocks, or even like Denny mentioned a crate motor. Just my two cents, having fun is what its all about and a nice car with a poor motor wouldnt be fun, at least not for me. those are cool cars but didnt have good motors, make it cooler!

The 305 which I built for my 78 firebird was snappy, with only pistons cam and exhaust.

No, it will never be a 454, but it will go plenty fast enough to earn a felony.

None of these recommendations are even possible for me legally; a 350 swap would force any mechanic here to go to a referee in CA for smog compliance and all of the mechanics I talked to said they wouldn't do it even if I had the money for the labor resulting from them towing my car back and forth from the referee. Which I don't have anyway. I wanted to sell my Monte for something pre '75 so I would be smog exempt, but I am tight on money, and just need it as a cruiser anyway. I hate it, but I am stuck with a 305. I realize a 350 would likely be cheaper, but I can't do it with the time O have, I work and need the car running asap.

With that being said, what is the best way to go? Crate or rebuild/remanufacture It? Is the cost I got quotes reasonable for an engine remanufactured with hoses, wires, labor, just no carb? California and it's laws are bull, but for now I have to deal with it and just need some advice. Only way to get a 350 in my car is to get it fully assembled and wired ready to go and rent an engine hoist.

Ok, that being the case, you have no choice then, but I would never give that kind of money for a rebuild on that, a crate is half that, at least here in missouri, cool car but you might evaluate what it could bring and purchase something else done, i don't know the value,of later montes but a done 70 here was,overpriced at 12k, it was not a ss however, go to Hagertys insurances web site and see what it's worth in good condition, not trying to be rude, just honest.

While I don't live in Cali., I know there are exemptions to put a newer motor into an older car. Have you investigated any of this? It might be an avenue that you can live with. And research usually doesn't cost much.

Originally Posted by 34_40

While I don't live in Cali., I know there are exemptions to put a newer motor into an older car. Have you investigated any of this? It might be an avenue that you can live with. And research usually doesn't cost much.

All the more reason to stay with cars that are 1975 and older in California (smog exempt)....install any engine you want...

Originally Posted by randyr

All the more reason to stay with cars that are 1975 and older in California (smog exempt)....install any engine you want...

While working at Douglas Aircraft, Long Beach Ca. in 1966 a friend and I were having a discussion on smog. He said, "You know as long as there is a smog commission we'll have smog." No truer words were ever spoken.

My 2 cents...... The prices to do that engine including installation in a shop is probably within reason. #2 any small block Chevy is the same on outside appearance. So how is a smog tech going to know you have a 305 a 350 or 400 for that matter ? He wont and nobody can possibly know unless they run the casting numbers. I did a similar swap several years ago on a 85 El Camino, replaced a 305 with a ZZ1 350 with a cam up grade. Used all the emission system, Electronic carb & ignition from the 305. Passed Missouri smog with flying colors. Only way anybody could tell it wasn't a 305 was when you hit the gas.

Hworrell, I was thinking the same thing.