Thread: Need help getting a new engine

Tweet

As Jerry said, fixing what you have (if possible) will be the cheapest.

I can tell you that rebuilding a 305 is going to cost as much (or maybe more) than a 350. The work is the same, only the parts costs will be different.

You could try to find a good running take out at a salvage yard. Good SBC's are still out there, but are getting rarer by the day. If you choose to go that way, be aware that there are some subtle differences in small blocks over the years. Come back here and ask questions about what you locate and we can help you determine if it will interchange.

You said your budget was low, but didn't say how low. The easy way out is a crate engine. The base 350 GM engine is less than $2000 delivered. You probably won't see 300 HP, but it would be a good upgrade for your 305. It also has the advantage of being available now. Firebird is right about many shops being slow to get you work done. Price wise, by the time you get an engine bored, the crank turned and the heads done, you will be shocked how close you are to the price of the crate engine.

GM base crate:

https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...81432/10002/-1

If I was going for a GM crate engine, I would go with the L31 Vortec. It will cost more, but it has several advantages over the base engine. Vortec heads and a roller cam are the 2 most important. You would need a Vortec intake and special Melonized distributor gear for that engine.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...30283/10002/-1

Summit Racing also has these engines, but the links wouldn't work right. You might be able to find them a little cheaper around Christmas.