Engine Swap (Non LS) - 305 H.O. to ...?

[Tynan918]

Budget build 350...

 

[87National]

I'll keep that in mind and also focus on those areas. Suspension and brakes were another thing on my "to do list"... But reinforcing the frame ? I'll have to research the process that...

For a relatively mild, street driven 350 no re-inforcement of the frame is necessary.

No need to over-analyze things.....swap in a 350 and go have fun. If you find later on you are not happy with stock brakes, suspension, etc....take care of them one at a time as weekend projects. One of the biggest pitfalls of getting into your first project car is being led to believe that everything needs to be upgraded at once.

 

[565bbchevy]

This should be very informative...

I couldn't do more things wrong if I tried on purpose.
At 42.30 no rear main seal installed as he drops in the crank.
Then they added the rods and pistons before torquing down the main caps.
And let's just hammer our non lubed pistons in without using guides to avoid crank damage.
Should be called what not to do when rebuilding a SBC too many wrongs to list.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Keep in mind that not all 350s are better than 305s. If you go the crate engine route avoid those base "290" hp 350s. In resl life they hardly make more hp than a stock HO305. Those base crate 350s have low CR and smogger heads that are the same spec as 70's service van engines. A Carmry will still blow those 290 HP 350s away.

Great info and links, I'll look into all of this before considering a swap...

Not a true SS, base MC with SS body parts...the VIN reads it originally came with a V6, this 305 H.O. is swapped in.

Before anything else you better ID the trans and rear axle. V6 cars got the weak TH200C and awful 2.41 rear gears that even held the V6 back yet alone a HO 305 or 350. When I swapped the 2.41 axle 7n my car for a 3.73 axle it made a night an day difference.