I installed a 1996 Vortec 305 in my 86 GMC. I converted it to carb with a no name Performer type dual plane with a Qjet , headers , 2 1/2" dual exhaust and it runs terrific.
i always like the 305. with those super 23 heads its a good engine for a fun project that you drive often. not too much power that it is difficult to drive or required expensive drive train upgrades but not a slouch either.
i have a 78 type lt camaro with a 305. its got a 4 barrel quadrajet and edelbrock air intake and an aftermarket mild cam. fun to tinker with and keep on adding stuff to increase power but at the end of the day i would like to throw an LS of some sort in it.
This video is making me rethink my original plans for my 86 C10. It came with a 305, and I picked up a Gen III LQ4 to swap also I've already sent the block and heads off for machine work. Now this!😔
I am glad that the 305 is getting some shine finally and people are building make 400- 700 Hp same with the olds 307 now cars with these motors can get some go power.
I haven't watched your videos for awhile, sorry about that. I've been going through some medical issues. Love your videos and views. To the question why not simply replace the 305 with a 350 or ls motor. I think the answer is being able to run what you bring. And it's old school hot rodding at it's best. Taking what you have and build it to it's full potential because to me that's fun. Using my knowledge to put it into any engine and make it preform. Also some sanctioned races may have displacement or stock regulations to adhere too.
I did this test on my 79 Camaro, back when, I was in HS 1996. My 305 with Dart heads and Summit cam, can't remember the specs,went 15.1 in the quarter. Then I sprayed a 150 shot,went high 13 sec. Then a 454 was in charge. I took the N.O.S off and put it on my 1994 S10 SS with a CPI 4.3L "100" shot went high 13's in a stock 4.3L.
Bet that’s partly a difference of gearing. Three speed auto camaro with cruising gears? Compared to a 4 speed auto that now has a shorter rear gear for better off the line acceleration? Just my guess from the model years and times. Bet that camaro would scoot pretty well with proper gears if it’s the case
Thanks for doing these, I've had many 3rd gens over the years, in the 80s and still have an 84 Z28 H.O. that runs great. In the almost 40 years the engine has never been out of the car, I've had it for 10 years, it's never left me stranded. I have nothing to complain about, even in mostly stock form it'll fry the back tires right off rims if I want it to.
@@irocitZ black with silver ground effects, I just hit 118k on it this past year. All original other than a carb rebuild (not remanufactured) and some sensors etc.
@@louiscyphre6049 mine is black as well, I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna need to replace the valve seals in the future. In the last 12 years I've done a lot of stuff to the car in an effort to take it to the next level, I plan on hanging onto it so it's been worth it.
I would love all the links to the heads, cam kit, and intake manifold you used for the second test. I'm really blown away with how much power you made outa the little 305 and yoube given me hole to beef up mine instead of replacing it.
350 vortec heads with high compression pistons to bring it back to 9.5 or leave it alone for supercharged or turbo and the small bore long stroke engine will do some surprising things. A 350 is a 350. Taking a 305 and integrating 350 parts or 327 or 400 and the many combinations to create your own Frankenstein engine is much more fun.
I built a 305 with the old double hump heads 1.94/1.50 valves. Regular performer cam and regular performer air gap and a 600 Holley with 1 5/8" header. Was a blast to drive in an old 72' c10
Did you milk the heads down or did you find stock 56cc double humps? I have a 78 305 with smog heads so I’m looking for anything that flows better while I put in a cam and turbo
@@ethanpenney7857 stock heads. Didn't port or gasket match anything. Lapped the valves and called it good even with the old valve springs. I'm not sure what the flow numbers on all that old stuff. But I would suspect even the smaller valved heads like I used prolly flowed mo betta than 305 heads.
Double hump heads likely lost power.....because it lost compression. I did the same thing to a 305.....it definitely wasn't any better. In the back of my mind i always thought it lost a little power.
@@HioSSilver1999 that’s fair. I don’t think it’d be as big an issue in my application if I’m going turbo. Not sure tho. Probably gonna try and find 305 vortec heads
@@ethanpenney7857 no reason to lower compression for a turbo. Compression is cylinder pressure.....boost drives up cylinder pressure. You just need the fuel to cover it. If i have learned anything from watching richards vids it confirmed what i always thought. A good na combo is also a good boost combo.
80s street knowledge. T-top camaros and firebirds were 305s or 6cyl. Hard tops could be a 350. All G bodys were 305 or 6. So easy picking all around except se hard top F bodies and Grand Nationals. lol
You can do it I'm running low 13's with a stock bottom end lb9 305 well it does have a mild cam of my design and L30 heads as well as the Holley stealth ram
That's awesome I still have my 1984 Z28 5 l ho 5 speed that I bought new pretty much out of high school seeing this is inspired me to get it going again
@Joe Hudson mine had a 305 with the crossfire injection on it. Pulled that junk off and went carbed. Edelbrock 600cfm carb, performer RPM intake, trickflow super 23 heads, k12-600-4 comp cam with 1.6 rockers puts it at .510/.496 lift, 227/241 @.050, then i have the crank and rods just gotta buy the pistons and have the machine work done to make it a 334.
@@ShortFuzeDrummer my 305 is worn its got 115k on it I just built my first 350 I went with a GM ZZ4 block forged crank H-beam rods forged Pistons from summit racing a nice hydraulic roller from comp cams for efi and a T-76 turbo
@Kenneth Rand i picked up an 85' block so it was a tpi, ran great, no smoke or anything. This is my first engine build so id rather blow up a 305. I have a 5.3 sitting on a stand for later, that will be the big money build
305 TPI Manual trans 373 or 4.10 Nitrous Tire Those days were fun. To date I feel the TPI intake was the most intimidating intake ever made, just could not make HP with it
I really want to see the FIRST TPI intake setup tested on the 305, id like to see what a much more opened up intake runners and base would do... Can't decide between the FIRST TPI, vortec heads milled, and cam vs Qjet, vortec heads milled, intake to match, and cam.. Love the look of the Bird of Prey style that the TPI gives..
Before these mods would be stupid but now with the prices of 350s this is viable im gonna be building up my 305 soon with aluminum heads and ported intake
IMHO, the perfect 305 configuration would be the tuned port (long runner) with decent set of heads (I don't think they even make an aluminum head for the 305 anymore), "junk" 350 4 bolt one piece rear main roller block sleeved down to the correct bore size, forged 3.750 crank )331ci at factory bore size) forged pistons with modern low tension rings, forged rods, and a smaller single turbo setup. I wouldn't attempt to build it for all out horsepower (there are MUCH better platforms for that), but more as a boosted equivalent to a healthy big block. Something that is putting up 500+ ft/lbs, maybe 400hp, and the show's over by 6000. Slap it in a dually, and let it eat. The only possible downside to it (other than cost, and I don't own any of the parts, or a truck to put it in) would be the ultimate strength of the block casting might be suspect for heavy loads and sustained use under high boost.
OK boy you are a talker! I am thinking about an El Camino hobby car. Found one 305 real clean, low miles. Looks great. I have had a number of Corvettes so I want some grunt. In my 81 Stock Motor I went with Vortech, and TPIS, Headers and Water Meth injection. Thinking to go that way on the 305 as I know how engines respond to Boost. Any guidance on Block prep??? Always enjoy your videos, Dennis
I hope you get it back on the road too, however if you don't get to it and don't live 3000 miles from me, I'm interested in making you a fair offer should you decide to part with it. Good luck with the car either way.
@@irocitZ I guess I would sell it if the money was really right but I have had it since it was new so it does have a sentimental value to me and also I've kept it under cover of some sort garage or carport ever since I've owned it so I would even in the lapidated state it's in right now I would still say it's one of the nicest you would find
@@joehudson3072 oh no not the dreded sentiment, haha. But seriously, I surely understand you having an attachment after all this time. I have one as well, I'm on my 10th year. That's a record for me, I'm gonna hang on to mine for as long as possible but for different reasons. I do like my car but I'm also financially buried in it, the entire time I've owned it, I spent a lot of time restoring it. Honestly, I think it owns me. I do enjoy driving it as well, at this point it drives like a new car. What color combo is your car and how many miles does it have? Also, does it have t tops? Auto or manual?
I am actually super surprised that the LB9 had dishes. The ones I've had were flat tops with eyebrows. Almost wonder if the motor was a mixmaster with an L03 bottom end If I were going to start with an L03 or LB9 or L69 I'd probably go in roughly the following order. The reasoning is a combination of ease and power capability. -Exhaust system (if not going turbo) headers to tip -intake manifold Performer RPM Air Gap or HSR. TPI or carb intake would go. -Camshaft (I like that 276HR cam btw, you may call it "small" but i think it's a great fit for the engine as a whole esp with non-ported heads. Had it in a 383, don't think it would be "small" in a 305 and am surprised it peaked at 6Kish RPM in the dyno.) -head work. Keep in mind I would argue that the SBC's limited valve lift capability out of the box means you're probably pulling heads any ways if you're going to get any lift. Stock flow isn't great on most TBI or even TPI heads so a 276HR is probably plenty of lift. For a TPI or milder build Elgin makes a real nice looking 210/215 roller as well. I'd think you'd be cutting the guides down at .5/.51 lift but maybe umbrella seals and a ghetto grind on the retainers would get you there? You'd probably also end up wanting to dump exh rotaters for mass reasons. An L30 or L30 Vortec 305 heads are likely a better path from what I've read. Maybe L31s if you are willing or able to compensate for the compression difference of 58 vs 64cc heads. -Turbo system. I think it wouldn't be easy to get to 1K HP, but I'd think it possible if you stuck in rods and pistons. You'd be talking nearer 30 PSI than 20 as well. With stock head flow of a set of 416es being about 175-180 CFM I don't see getting to 350hp being out of the realm of plausibility. If dumping a bunch of money into one of these you're probably needing to go down the 4" bore path as a block is cheap enough in the grand scheme, but there's zero reason one of these can't make great power especially for a street engine. I'd just cam/valve spring it, put a decent intake on, make some turbo headers and party. Shame you weren't closer, I scrapped 2 or 3 good ones last year when I moved. Would have loved a big bang on one. Or you just swap in a 4.8 with an extremely mild cam. :D
I used to have a 1978 Vette with a 175hp 350 stock. I think the 400sbc was only about 150hp..... They all have more potential than most people realize.
@@augustoescobar50 not the old 1986 305 carb motor but I believe it was factory rated at around 180hp and mine was very tired and really didn't like 35 inch tires . The sb 400 made 385 hp and has enough power to move 37s without revving it to the moon.
I've got a set of those Trick Flow heads on order. Supposed to be here about the end of November. Putting them on my 1984 Grand Prix with only 70k miles on it, sewing machine smooth original drivetrain. Had already settled on the same RPM Air Gap intake too. Now I know what cam specs to shoot for, though I'll be slightly milder sticking with a flat tappet rather than spending the money on a roller upgrade. Thanks for the video!
People hate 305's mainly because when they came in a square body, they usually had awful 2.73 gears behind them which made the truck just a dog. Iv had a square(2.73's) a rs Camaro(tbi 305) and a 97 Silverado with a vortec 305 and the 97 silvy was honestly not bad at all. It had 3.42's. I think with even just gears and a tune it would have been great.
Had a canadian built 83 G20 built 10/82 that came from GM with a factory flat top piston 305 that had 53cc 601 heads with factory tubular exhaust manifolds and catless 2.5" duals. 700r4 and 3.08 gears. Ran really strong for what it was.
@@chrisreynolds6520 a friend of a friend of mine had a c20 around the same year that had a great running 305 and 4 speed. I wonder if it had some of the same stuff. It pulled loads pretty darn good fwiw
Now this is kind of off the wall. But I’ve always wanted to see a head to head of a Ford straight six 300 punched out to 302 vs a 302 Windsor. Have both with same cam profile and have both setup as close to the same as possible. Just to see how the HP and TQ curves compare. Just thought it’s an interesting concept with different number of cylinders bores and stroke but same displacement.
I had a 84 firebird with the LG4 305 and 5 speed, good torque and pull in 5 the on highway but not going win any races. I pulled it and used the L69 as a model, put in flattops bored 0.020 to bump to 9.5 cr, cam about 420/440 lift, performer intake (. CRane compucam 2030.) Full Edelbrock TES headers, 3 inch exhaust. Car was night and day. Would win races but this was 20 years ago.
Sorry for the beginner question - if one could only do 3 mods and wanted a street-able 305 that had more ooomph what should one do? Headers, Intake, Carb? Headers, cam, intake? I just dont know what works together and how it all harmonizes.
Nothing wrong at all with building a 305. I did it myself. The data is really interesting, but nowdays people are nearly giving away SBC 350,383,and 400's with GOOD parts when they swap for LS engines.
True, and I remember 20+ years ago old timers saying how the 350 will be heavily sought after when they are all used up. Not so much but maybe soon once people want retro, Chevy 350 kinda like next generation. Flathead
I had a mildly built 305 in a Chevy short wide I bought that was surprisingly stout. But on another note can we get the other other guys? Dodge 400, ford 352, Chevy 366? Someone make this a thing
at what point would you be worried to melt those stock pistons though? I have a mild built 350, it's .060 but pistons are still cast if I remember right, has a healthy 550ish size cam, and dart shp heads and intake, 670 holley carb. Sorry I don't have the full specs it's been a few years since the motor was built.
I'm stuck on building a 305 for my Monte Carlo. When comparing parts & money would it make sense to just build a 305 or would it be better to destroke a 350? I am wondering this due to the 305 bore size & head availability, & the cost between the 2 engines.
If you want something different, here's an idea..... A 400 sbc with a 3in stroke crank. It should be about 303 cid, and the 2:1 rod to stroke ratio would handle the revs, just need a valvetrain to match. A 305 with powerpack or vortec heads is a cheaper, more reasonable option though. There's plenty of power, especially with the right xam choice.
It looks like the only way to get 50 percent more HP on a small engine without making it undriveable is to replace it with a big engine if you want the HP to be BELOW 3500 RPM. And you want power brakes and want 16 inches of vacuum.
I just built a 305 with vortec heads… I’ve watched your videos a ton of times and realized that my heads have the 64cc and you have used 56cc for the 305. It’s built and ready to go in. My question is will it be dead in the water with that compression? What would the compression be. Using a comp cam with .470 lift
Please build & test a junk yard mix "N" match 305 LT1. L99 block, L99 pistons, L99 heads, LT1 crank, LT1 rods, LT4 camshaft, LT4 intake. My prediction is that it would make more power than a stock LT1 350.. What do you think?
LT4 intake has a raised runner and requires LT4 heads to work properly/seal at the intake port. There are other differences as well, but it is a moot point to discuss them. Dick could have stated that but he's usually too busy imagining that he knows more than everyone else.
Alright, I got a 85 IROCZ with a LB9. Was a LB9 now its got a TPIS mini ram and twin Gt28 turbos and a holley 58mm, got green eBay 42lbs injectors and a walbro. I'm struggling with tuning the damn thing, I'm using EBL Flash ECU. I think I've got problems with timing, I've got 416 heads. Anyone have any tips on how I should be attacking a TT LT1 setup? I use tunerpro to make changes to the bins. I can't get over 5 pounds of boost but I've got eBay wastegates and it was difficult to route the cold side. Lots of couplers. So I don't think I'm making enough boost to blow up the 305
And! I'm having major issues with idle. The thing bogs down after it reaches a temp over 140°. The thing won't stay on, right now its at 0 initial and 8 degrees of timing @700rpm
Hey guys Im not a Professional n good in dished or flat head 305 but we used to have Pontiac 88 305 and it was killing Recently I funded c1500 truck 86 and I’m wondering what is the best reliable engine for power and daily use
Not really a bad motor... But limited head choices and the fact it'll cost the same as building a 350 - it's easy to see why people skip it. But I do see why it's popular in circle track racing.
If i wanted to replicate any of these, especially the 300-500hp range stuff for my stock monte carlo ss h.o. 305, will i have to upgrade the oiling system for 300hp? I would for 500-600hp, what recommendations for an oil system that will keep the engine alive long term?
I’m running a 350 tpi 250Hp stock, and just removed the cats and muffler (actually I have metallic 100cpi cats, muffler has a straight through tube), basically sounds flows like straight piped and now planning to install 1.6 ratio roller lifters (steel) then a ecm tune. what kind of power increase can I expect? The manifold has long tube runners, pretty restrictive , anyway I guess it should make like 270-280Hp?! thank you
@@richardholdener1727 thank you for super quick answer:) the thing is the old main catalytic converter was badly clogged and the car was probably not doing not even stock power
Good luck trying replace your 305 with a350 because there none to be had in central Alabama they gone the way of the BBC no 6.o ls and a few 5.3's and 4.8's.
I installed a 1996 Vortec 305 in my 86 GMC. I converted it to carb with a no name Performer type dual plane with a Qjet , headers , 2 1/2" dual exhaust and it runs terrific.
I'll be honest, this made me nostalgic for an '81 El Camino and a garage built mostly recycled parts 305 made right around 1993-94.
I'd like to see a 307 chevy build
Finally! Someone that knows what they are talking about with the 305sbc👍
i always like the 305. with those super 23 heads its a good engine for a fun project that you drive often. not too much power that it is difficult to drive or required expensive drive train upgrades but not a slouch either.
i have a 78 type lt camaro with a 305. its got a 4 barrel quadrajet and edelbrock air intake and an aftermarket mild cam. fun to tinker with and keep on adding stuff to increase power but at the end of the day i would like to throw an LS of some sort in it.
This video is making me rethink my original plans for my 86 C10. It came with a 305, and I picked up a Gen III LQ4 to swap also I've already sent the block and heads off for machine work. Now this!😔
Stock 4.8 is better than a hci 5.0 ford or Chevy. This video is awesome and proof of that. Best content on the tube. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
I am glad that the 305 is getting some shine finally and people are building make 400- 700 Hp same with the olds 307 now cars with these motors can get some go power.
I haven't watched your videos for awhile, sorry about that. I've been going through some medical issues. Love your videos and views. To the question why not simply replace the 305 with a 350 or ls motor. I think the answer is being able to run what you bring. And it's old school hot rodding at it's best. Taking what you have and build it to it's full potential because to me that's fun. Using my knowledge to put it into any engine and make it preform. Also some sanctioned races may have displacement or stock regulations to adhere too.
I did this test on my 79 Camaro, back when, I was in HS 1996. My 305 with Dart heads and Summit cam, can't remember the specs,went 15.1 in the quarter. Then I sprayed a 150 shot,went high 13 sec. Then a 454 was in charge. I took the N.O.S off and put it on my 1994 S10 SS with a CPI 4.3L "100" shot went high 13's in a stock 4.3L.
Bet that’s partly a difference of gearing. Three speed auto camaro with cruising gears? Compared to a 4 speed auto that now has a shorter rear gear for better off the line acceleration? Just my guess from the model years and times. Bet that camaro would scoot pretty well with proper gears if it’s the case
Thanks for doing these, I've had many 3rd gens over the years, in the 80s and still have an 84 Z28 H.O. that runs great. In the almost 40 years the engine has never been out of the car, I've had it for 10 years, it's never left me stranded. I have nothing to complain about, even in mostly stock form it'll fry the back tires right off rims if I want it to.
I have the same car and engine! Still going strong! 💪👍
@@louiscyphre6049 how many miles does it have, what color?
@@irocitZ black with silver ground effects, I just hit 118k on it this past year. All original other than a carb rebuild (not remanufactured) and some sensors etc.
@@louiscyphre6049 mine is black as well, I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna need to replace the valve seals in the future. In the last 12 years I've done a lot of stuff to the car in an effort to take it to the next level, I plan on hanging onto it so it's been worth it.
I get a tear...every time someone mentions
Car Craft.
The bathroom magazine rack just never recovered.
I miss Super Chevy magazine too.
I'm in the middle of building a 339 stroker out of a 305 on my channel. Going to be running nitrous and a manual transmission in a 78 c10 chevy.
I would love all the links to the heads, cam kit, and intake manifold you used for the second test.
I'm really blown away with how much power you made outa the little 305 and yoube given me hole to beef up mine instead of replacing it.
350 vortec heads with high compression pistons to bring it back to 9.5 or leave it alone for supercharged or turbo and the small bore long stroke engine will do some surprising things. A 350 is a 350. Taking a 305 and integrating 350 parts or 327 or 400 and the many combinations to create your own Frankenstein engine is much more fun.
Ran the tuned port on a 385 with lt4 cam kit and iron eagle 200s for nearly a decade before changing over to the hsr. What a difference.
I built a 305 with the old double hump heads 1.94/1.50 valves. Regular performer cam and regular performer air gap and a 600 Holley with 1 5/8" header. Was a blast to drive in an old 72' c10
Did you milk the heads down or did you find stock 56cc double humps? I have a 78 305 with smog heads so I’m looking for anything that flows better while I put in a cam and turbo
@@ethanpenney7857 stock heads. Didn't port or gasket match anything. Lapped the valves and called it good even with the old valve springs. I'm not sure what the flow numbers on all that old stuff. But I would suspect even the smaller valved heads like I used prolly flowed mo betta than 305 heads.
Double hump heads likely lost power.....because it lost compression.
I did the same thing to a 305.....it definitely wasn't any better. In the back of my mind i always thought it lost a little power.
@@HioSSilver1999 that’s fair. I don’t think it’d be as big an issue in my application if I’m going turbo. Not sure tho. Probably gonna try and find 305 vortec heads
@@ethanpenney7857 no reason to lower compression for a turbo. Compression is cylinder pressure.....boost drives up cylinder pressure. You just need the fuel to cover it.
If i have learned anything from watching richards vids it confirmed what i always thought. A good na combo is also a good boost combo.
In the 80s the 305 was pretty much all we had. Hard to believe but 350's were few and far between in new cars.
80s street knowledge. T-top camaros and firebirds were 305s or 6cyl. Hard tops could be a 350. All G bodys were 305 or 6. So easy picking all around except se hard top F bodies and Grand Nationals. lol
Trucks
Even the 350s were less than impressive. Remember the 350 in the '87 Vette for example??? Four cylinder Hondas make that kind of power N/A these days
@@BBBILLY86 It was well into the 80's before GM offered an F-body with a 350. But it was an automatic only option.
@@MrScottt28 Heck, California Vette's were relegated to a 305 with an automatic.
I would love to see a 1985-1989 Chevy Suburban with a 305 Supercharged I know that would be fun.
Love the 305 videos! Ive learned a lot as far as what kinda power i will make with similar set up. Shooting for a mid 12 second 1/4 with my 83 z28.
You can do it I'm running low 13's with a stock bottom end lb9 305 well it does have a mild cam of my design and L30 heads as well as the Holley stealth ram
That's awesome I still have my 1984 Z28 5 l ho 5 speed that I bought new pretty much out of high school seeing this is inspired me to get it going again
@Joe Hudson mine had a 305 with the crossfire injection on it. Pulled that junk off and went carbed. Edelbrock 600cfm carb, performer RPM intake, trickflow super 23 heads, k12-600-4 comp cam with 1.6 rockers puts it at .510/.496 lift, 227/241 @.050, then i have the crank and rods just gotta buy the pistons and have the machine work done to make it a 334.
@@ShortFuzeDrummer my 305 is worn its got 115k on it I just built my first 350 I went with a GM ZZ4 block forged crank H-beam rods forged Pistons from summit racing a nice hydraulic roller from comp cams for efi and a T-76 turbo
@Kenneth Rand i picked up an 85' block so it was a tpi, ran great, no smoke or anything. This is my first engine build so id rather blow up a 305. I have a 5.3 sitting on a stand for later, that will be the big money build
305 TPI
Manual trans
373 or 4.10
Nitrous
Tire
Those days were fun.
To date I feel the TPI intake was the most intimidating intake ever made, just could not make HP with it
Love your videos brother! You teach me and many others about Chevy power and keeping it 100%
I really want to see the FIRST TPI intake setup tested on the 305, id like to see what a much more opened up intake runners and base would do...
Can't decide between the FIRST TPI, vortec heads milled, and cam vs Qjet, vortec heads milled, intake to match, and cam.. Love the look of the Bird of Prey style that the TPI gives..
Just remember looks don't win races. Ditch the tuned port injection it will only limit you in horsepower.
I was really hoping to see this engine with a high compression E85 N/A build.
Before these mods would be stupid but now with the prices of 350s this is viable im gonna be building up my 305 soon with aluminum heads and ported intake
I had an 89 GTA with the TPI . Loved it.
350?
@@gatorunleashed275 305 tpi I believe the 350s were tbi
IMHO, the perfect 305 configuration would be the tuned port (long runner) with decent set of heads (I don't think they even make an aluminum head for the 305 anymore), "junk" 350 4 bolt one piece rear main roller block sleeved down to the correct bore size, forged 3.750 crank )331ci at factory bore size) forged pistons with modern low tension rings, forged rods, and a smaller single turbo setup. I wouldn't attempt to build it for all out horsepower (there are MUCH better platforms for that), but more as a boosted equivalent to a healthy big block.
Something that is putting up 500+ ft/lbs, maybe 400hp, and the show's over by 6000. Slap it in a dually, and let it eat.
The only possible downside to it (other than cost, and I don't own any of the parts, or a truck to put it in) would be the ultimate strength of the block casting might be suspect for heavy loads and sustained use under high boost.
An actual 383 would be even better...
I just picked up an 83 camaro with a 305 and I’m looking to get a lil more out of it
I never understood why Chevy put dished pistons in the 305. I think it would have run much better with flat tops.
It would've but then probably would've required premium
The LU5 crossfire engine, the L69, all of the TPI motors, and vortec 305s had flat-top pistons. The low output LG4 got flat-tops after 1986
THIS MOTOR WAS A FACTORY TPI LB9-IT HAD DISH PISTONS
@@richardholdener1727 I stand corrected. After some research, 85-86 TPI 305s were flat-tops. 87up TPI 305 indeed had a dish piston
@@kylemilligan752 must be the Camaro 305's
OK boy you are a talker! I am thinking about an El Camino hobby car. Found one 305 real clean, low miles. Looks great. I have had a number of Corvettes so I want some grunt. In my 81 Stock Motor I went with Vortech, and TPIS, Headers and Water Meth injection. Thinking to go that way on the 305 as I know how engines respond to Boost. Any guidance on Block prep??? Always enjoy your videos, Dennis
Rich thanks for doing this I still have my 84 50 H0 5 speed Z28 maybe this will inspire me to get it running again
I hope you get it back on the road too, however if you don't get to it and don't live 3000 miles from me, I'm interested in making you a fair offer should you decide to part with it. Good luck with the car either way.
@@irocitZ I guess I would sell it if the money was really right but I have had it since it was new so it does have a sentimental value to me and also I've kept it under cover of some sort garage or carport ever since I've owned it so I would even in the lapidated state it's in right now I would still say it's one of the nicest you would find
@@joehudson3072 oh no not the dreded sentiment, haha. But seriously, I surely understand you having an attachment after all this time. I have one as well, I'm on my 10th year. That's a record for me, I'm gonna hang on to mine for as long as possible but for different reasons. I do like my car but I'm also financially buried in it, the entire time I've owned it, I spent a lot of time restoring it. Honestly, I think it owns me. I do enjoy driving it as well, at this point it drives like a new car. What color combo is your car and how many miles does it have? Also, does it have t tops? Auto or manual?
@@irocitZ 5 speed with t-tops
I am actually super surprised that the LB9 had dishes. The ones I've had were flat tops with eyebrows. Almost wonder if the motor was a mixmaster with an L03 bottom end
If I were going to start with an L03 or LB9 or L69 I'd probably go in roughly the following order. The reasoning is a combination of ease and power capability.
-Exhaust system (if not going turbo) headers to tip
-intake manifold Performer RPM Air Gap or HSR. TPI or carb intake would go.
-Camshaft (I like that 276HR cam btw, you may call it "small" but i think it's a great fit for the engine as a whole esp with non-ported heads. Had it in a 383, don't think it would be "small" in a 305 and am surprised it peaked at 6Kish RPM in the dyno.)
-head work. Keep in mind I would argue that the SBC's limited valve lift capability out of the box means you're probably pulling heads any ways if you're going to get any lift. Stock flow isn't great on most TBI or even TPI heads so a 276HR is probably plenty of lift. For a TPI or milder build Elgin makes a real nice looking 210/215 roller as well. I'd think you'd be cutting the guides down at .5/.51 lift but maybe umbrella seals and a ghetto grind on the retainers would get you there? You'd probably also end up wanting to dump exh rotaters for mass reasons. An L30 or L30 Vortec 305 heads are likely a better path from what I've read. Maybe L31s if you are willing or able to compensate for the compression difference of 58 vs 64cc heads.
-Turbo system. I think it wouldn't be easy to get to 1K HP, but I'd think it possible if you stuck in rods and pistons. You'd be talking nearer 30 PSI than 20 as well.
With stock head flow of a set of 416es being about 175-180 CFM I don't see getting to 350hp being out of the realm of plausibility. If dumping a bunch of money into one of these you're probably needing to go down the 4" bore path as a block is cheap enough in the grand scheme, but there's zero reason one of these can't make great power especially for a street engine. I'd just cam/valve spring it, put a decent intake on, make some turbo headers and party.
Shame you weren't closer, I scrapped 2 or 3 good ones last year when I moved. Would have loved a big bang on one.
Or you just swap in a 4.8 with an extremely mild cam. :D
THIS WAS A PRODUCTION LINE-UNTOUCHED LB9
305's were bad about cracking in the valley some reason?
Wow that was one hell of a good video 💪👍
Never would have thought a 305 could be so potent. Considering there was a 150hp version...
I used to have a 1978 Vette with a 175hp 350 stock. I think the 400sbc was only about 150hp..... They all have more potential than most people realize.
I took a 305 out of a 86 chevy truck , added a sb400 with good heads and cam , gained about 200 hp over the 305 and several mpg.
Did you dyno it?
@@augustoescobar50 not the old 1986 305 carb motor but I believe it was factory rated at around 180hp and mine was very tired and really didn't like 35 inch tires . The sb 400 made 385 hp and has enough power to move 37s without revving it to the moon.
I've got a set of those Trick Flow heads on order. Supposed to be here about the end of November. Putting them on my 1984 Grand Prix with only 70k miles on it, sewing machine smooth original drivetrain. Had already settled on the same RPM Air Gap intake too. Now I know what cam specs to shoot for, though I'll be slightly milder sticking with a flat tappet rather than spending the money on a roller upgrade. Thanks for the video!
How did it turn out?
@@timtodd6830 I ended up selling the car for a nice profit, so the heads and other parts are sitting on a shelf waiting for another opportunity.
People hate 305's mainly because when they came in a square body, they usually had awful 2.73 gears behind them which made the truck just a dog. Iv had a square(2.73's) a rs Camaro(tbi 305) and a 97 Silverado with a vortec 305 and the 97 silvy was honestly not bad at all. It had 3.42's. I think with even just gears and a tune it would have been great.
Had a canadian built 83 G20 built 10/82 that came from GM with a factory flat top piston 305 that had 53cc 601 heads with factory tubular exhaust manifolds and catless 2.5" duals. 700r4 and 3.08 gears. Ran really strong for what it was.
@@chrisreynolds6520 a friend of a friend of mine had a c20 around the same year that had a great running 305 and 4 speed. I wonder if it had some of the same stuff. It pulled loads pretty darn good fwiw
i read an article years ago about a smc 400 with vortec heads. about 500 hp and tq. cheap build.
I had a 1982 Z28 with a 305... It was embarrassing.. The 5.0 Mustang ate all my lunch. It took a few years, but I went blue and never looked back
Now this is kind of off the wall. But I’ve always wanted to see a head to head of a Ford straight six 300 punched out to 302 vs a 302 Windsor. Have both with same cam profile and have both setup as close to the same as possible. Just to see how the HP and TQ curves compare. Just thought it’s an interesting concept with different number of cylinders bores and stroke but same displacement.
me too!
Man 372hp in A 83 firebird would be like a 13.1s maybe 12.9s
That would be sweet!
My lg4 is 14.7s
Weight reduced
Intake
Carb
Headers
2.5 single
And 1.6 rollers
In utah like 4400 ft.
I had a 84 firebird with the LG4 305 and 5 speed, good torque and pull in 5 the on highway but not going win any races.
I pulled it and used the L69 as a model, put in flattops bored 0.020 to bump to 9.5 cr, cam about 420/440 lift, performer intake (. CRane compucam 2030.) Full Edelbrock TES headers, 3 inch exhaust. Car was night and day. Would win races but this was 20 years ago.
Great video. Always like your stuff, facts.👍
Sorry for the beginner question - if one could only do 3 mods and wanted a street-able 305 that had more ooomph what should one do? Headers, Intake, Carb? Headers, cam, intake? I just dont know what works together and how it all harmonizes.
headers, cam, intake and carb
@@richardholdener1727 wow thank you sir!!!! Short or long tube headers? Any specific dimensions?
long tubes, 1 5/8
@@richardholdener1727 Ordered. Thank you sir. Got Hooker LT Headers (1 3/4) (oops) , Edelbrock 4 barrel 600 cfm carb, Weiand non EGR speed warrior IM, Comp xtrme energy 206/212.Hope this is right!
Nothing wrong at all with building a 305. I did it myself. The data is really interesting, but nowdays people are nearly giving away SBC 350,383,and 400's with GOOD parts when they swap for LS engines.
True, and I remember 20+ years ago old timers saying how the 350 will be heavily sought after when they are all used up. Not so much but maybe soon once people want retro, Chevy 350 kinda like next generation. Flathead
where are the videos of the lt build you left off two years ago? saying you were going to test lt4, lt1 and baby lt1 heads on a 350 lt1
Now I could build a badass 305. I've had a few.
Bv
why would you change the intake between ur baseline pull and a nitrous pull
In the future could you possibly do a test on a 305 sbc stroked with a 3.750in or 3.875in crankshaft to see how it responds?
it adds power
A 334 would be nice with ported Trick flow heads and better cam.
First question. How good is a 305 block on wall thickness. The rods are thinner. Not a 350 rod.
Bv
I had a mildly built 305 in a Chevy short wide I bought that was surprisingly stout. But on another note can we get the other other guys? Dodge 400, ford 352, Chevy 366? Someone make this a thing
305 Big Bang time.
at what point would you be worried to melt those stock pistons though? I have a mild built 350, it's .060 but pistons are still cast if I remember right, has a healthy 550ish size cam, and dart shp heads and intake, 670 holley carb. Sorry I don't have the full specs it's been a few years since the motor was built.
we made 1543 hp with stock cast pistons on an LS with proper tuning, octane, ice water intercooler-they will take a lot when everything is right
That’s respectable numbers for any engine.
We need a 305 big block v6 thrown in
We had a stock mark v hold up to 36 psi boost stock. But for how long.
Replace the main caps. Forged pistons. Good cam. 274 xe cam
I'm stuck on building a 305 for my Monte Carlo. When comparing parts & money would it make sense to just build a 305 or would it be better to destroke a 350? I am wondering this due to the 305 bore size & head availability, & the cost between the 2 engines.
KEEP THE 350 A 350-IT MAKES MORE POWER
@@richardholdener1727 I know, you're right. I just wanted a 305-inch engine for a fun build's sake. I'd even consider forced induction later.
If you want something different, here's an idea..... A 400 sbc with a 3in stroke crank. It should be about 303 cid, and the 2:1 rod to stroke ratio would handle the revs, just need a valvetrain to match.
A 305 with powerpack or vortec heads is a cheaper, more reasonable option though. There's plenty of power, especially with the right xam choice.
I pulled a 305 out of my k5 blazer, currently swapping a 5.3
It looks like the only way to get 50 percent more HP on a small engine without making it undriveable is to replace it with a big engine if you want the HP to be BELOW 3500 RPM. And you want power brakes and want 16 inches of vacuum.
These can be really good stroker engines
Hey there. I have a 305 and In order to get these type of results do I need to change the computer system? It’s a tbi.
I just built a 305 with vortec heads… I’ve watched your videos a ton of times and realized that my heads have the 64cc and you have used 56cc for the 305. It’s built and ready to go in. My question is will it be dead in the water with that compression? What would the compression be. Using a comp cam with .470 lift
YOU ARE FINE
Please build & test a junk yard mix "N" match 305 LT1. L99 block, L99 pistons, L99 heads, LT1 crank, LT1 rods, LT4 camshaft, LT4 intake.
My prediction is that it would make more power than a stock LT1 350.. What do you think?
would need lt4 heads too, won't make more than 350 lt1
LT4 intake has a raised runner and requires LT4 heads to work properly/seal at the intake port. There are other differences as well, but it is a moot point to discuss them. Dick could have stated that but he's usually too busy imagining that he knows more than everyone else.
Frieburger did this with different stages of NOS on engine masters
Alright, I got a 85 IROCZ with a LB9. Was a LB9 now its got a TPIS mini ram and twin Gt28 turbos and a holley 58mm, got green eBay 42lbs injectors and a walbro. I'm struggling with tuning the damn thing, I'm using EBL Flash ECU. I think I've got problems with timing, I've got 416 heads. Anyone have any tips on how I should be attacking a TT LT1 setup? I use tunerpro to make changes to the bins. I can't get over 5 pounds of boost but I've got eBay wastegates and it was difficult to route the cold side. Lots of couplers. So I don't think I'm making enough boost to blow up the 305
And! I'm having major issues with idle. The thing bogs down after it reaches a temp over 140°. The thing won't stay on, right now its at 0 initial and 8 degrees of timing @700rpm
Should’ve tried the vortecs Rich…. Would’ve been interesting to see what it would’ve done. 👍
I can make a 350 stock block hold up to the 850 mark
Not sure about a 305.
I've seen 400 hp 305s.
How long will it hold.
Bloodviking
Would love to see a 305 video with it bored and stroked like a 383 to make it a 334!
Can you even bore them out that much?
@The Big Picture yes its .030 over with a 3.75 crank just like a 383
I did it on a marine engine.
It's been done. Not worth it. You can shake and dance and port, and do the hokey pokey and it's done by 5200. The head flow just isn't there.
That would be interesting, a real torquer
I wonder how long a stock bottom end 305 would last under those power levels🤔
long time
Yup lots were built in late 70s up to the 90s
A 318 would be a great one to do next
Hey guys
Im not a Professional n good in dished or flat head 305 but we used to have Pontiac 88 305 and it was killing
Recently I funded c1500 truck 86 and I’m wondering what is the best reliable engine for power and daily use
Not really a bad motor... But limited head choices and the fact it'll cost the same as building a 350 - it's easy to see why people skip it. But I do see why it's popular in circle track racing.
Do you think that you could get similar results with a 307 oldsmobile?
Yes!
Do a search, and you'll find strange antique articles on the corporate 307. I learned about Nitrous with a 307.
I had an 89 camaro with the L03 TBI 305. That thing definitely does not deserve a high 5.
Did you gap the rings for the Nitrous or boost?
If i wanted to replicate any of these, especially the 300-500hp range stuff for my stock monte carlo ss h.o. 305, will i have to upgrade the oiling system for 300hp? I would for 500-600hp, what recommendations for an oil system that will keep the engine alive long term?
no need for oiling mods in that range (maybe windage tray)
4.2 or 4.8 seems more efficient and that is important for the wallet
You really need to add boosted power with these.
N o s and a 305 is stupid on stock pistons and rods.
Try driving up a hill in a heavy car and load the rotating assembly and see if it breaks.
I’m running a 350 tpi 250Hp stock, and just removed the cats and muffler (actually I have metallic 100cpi cats, muffler has a straight through tube), basically sounds flows like straight piped and now planning to install 1.6 ratio roller lifters (steel) then a ecm tune.
what kind of power increase can I expect? The manifold has long tube runners, pretty restrictive , anyway I guess it should make like 270-280Hp?!
thank you
rockers, tune and open exhaust (but no headers) might get you 15 or 20 hp
@@richardholdener1727 thank you for super quick answer:)
the thing is the old main catalytic converter was badly clogged and the car was probably not doing not even stock power
I had several things camaros and vets.
what injectors do you use. ? I bought 42lb/h for a 383 tpi and not sure if I will be able to make it idle at 1000-1200rpm.
those will idle easily on a 383 with tuning
i wanna see someone boost one of these enginesi wanna find out if it would be good for mine
plenty of boost vids too
🔥🔥🔥
Good luck trying replace your 305 with a350 because there none to be had in central Alabama they gone the way of the BBC no 6.o ls and a few 5.3's and 4.8's.
there are 50 or more 350s every time I go to the yards
Anyone have a stock set of 416 casting heads?
Cool thanks for sharing
What cam do you recommend for 400 hp
with what heads and intake?
Thank you sir
Why stop at 6k?? That setup is made to rpm and you chopped it off far to early.
Arp bolts. No 60 over bore.
305 is not ideal, but sometimes racing has cubic inch limits. So now we know
89 cheyenne needs some upgrades
What bore and stroke have a 305?
3.736in bore, 3.48in stroke, 5.7in connecting rod, 9.025in deck height, same rod, main, and cam journal size as a 350sbc
Need some 400 sbc stuff!!
Had one in my IROC ran well, no power but reliable.
IROC? Do you still have your mullet and Members Only Jacket? 😁😁😁
@@nucleargrizzly1776 Don't forget the bushy mustache and Converse high tops.
@@mightymikethebear Can't forget the parachute pants. 😂
@@nucleargrizzly1776 or the Zubaz pants, still available on Amazon
@@mightymikethebear And of course a "Frankie Say Relax" t-shirt to complete your ensemble.