My 305 is a 350

[American Muscle 79]

Happy New Year, everyone.

I recently scooped up a 79' El Camino with a 305. It was in running/driving condition when I picked it up, but it had a good amount of leaks. It was also an absolute dog when it came to performance. I believe I clocked 0-60 on the freeway onramp at 11+ seconds.

This winter I decided to pull the engine so I could install new gaskets and maybe put a little cam in it. Though I didn't think it would help much, given the engine. However, once I got the heads pulled off, I found it had a 4" bore. I took a look at the casting number(3970010) that was covered up in paint and oil and sure enough, it looks like my 305 is actually a 350. The seller was certain it was a 305 and I think that's because the heads(378450) and intake manifold were off of a 305.

But hey, a 350? I can do something with that. Lucky for me, I have parts sitting around from my 79' Malibu that have been collecting dust. With some aluminum heads, high rise intake, cam/lifters, headers, and new gaskets/pumps, this thing should be able to get out of its own way. I should be dropping it in this weekend. I'll update this thread when it's done!

Has anyone else been doing some engine work over the winter?

 

[DRIVEN]

Congrats on the bonus upgrade. I work with the guy who designed those Edelbrock valve covers. I'm glad you went with the chrome set.

 

[American Muscle 79]

Congrats on the bonus upgrade. I work with the guy who designed those Edelbrock valve covers. I'm glad you went with the chrome set.

Oh wow! Way cool! I'm going to clean up those valve covers and throw them on something else.

 

[bracketchev1221]

Put a clutch fan on it and free up a few hp too!

 

[DRIVEN]

Oh wow! Way cool! I'm going to clean up those valve covers and throw them on something else.

Personally, I was never really a fan. Just wanted to brag about my brush with greatness. I think the chrome looks good against the aluminum and black.

 

[lilbowtie]

Did you find a reason for the engine running so crappy? Those 305 heads should have made it a a strong bottom ender.

 

[1320John$$$]

Going to need more fuel pump then that stocker on there

 

[American Muscle 79]

Put a clutch fan on it and free up a few hp too!

I've actually got an aluminum radiator and dual electric fan setup that are going in as well!

 

[American Muscle 79]

Did you find a reason for the engine running so crappy? Those 305 heads should have made it a a strong bottom ender.

So that's what I thought as well. With the smaller combustion chamber, it should have upped the compression. But after combing through the forums for that specific head casting, I found a lot of people saying that the flow on those heads are awful. From what I understand, in actuality, the combustion chamber isn't much smaller than a stock 350 head, and the intake and exhaust ports are too small to flow a meaningful amount of air. That combined with the fact that I'm setting aside most of the CARB compliant components should give the engine enough room to breathe.

 

[American Muscle 79]

Going to need more fuel pump then that stocker on there

Luckily I ordered a Carter Muscle Car series fuel pump(CRT-M4685). Flows a bit more fuel than a stock fuel pump. The cam isn't all that aggressive either.