I know this post is going to cheeze off a few people, but here it goes.

I find myself in the situation where I have a choice between 2 parts donor cars for the Panel Van. One is an '84 and has a 305 sbc with an automatic (not sure which one) in it, the other is a '77 and has a 350 4-bolt main sbc with a 4-speed in it. Niether are running, and both owners are asking $800 for the cars.

I don't really want the manual trans in the Panel Van, and obviously I'd prefer the 350 in it. My question is, would it be better to buy just the '77 and sell off the 4-speed, then buy a new automatic for the 350, or buy both and sell off everything I don't end up using? Would the automatic from the '84 bolt up to the '77 engine, assuming the 350 is a '77? Could I use the 305 to mock up motor mounts/ transmission mounts for the 350 while I'm tearing down the 350, or are the mounts different?

Just in case it makes a difference, and here's the part that's gonna cheeze some people off, both prospective donor cars are Z-28 Camaros, and yes I'll be cutting it/them up for parts.

Let the flames begin.

350! HG

__________________
I was built with the body of a God! To bad it was buddah.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/jou...&journalid=2415

Neither of those Z/28's are collectibles imo. By that stage in the Z/28 de-evolution all they are is just regular Camaro's with stick on Z/28 badges and low performance engines. The 305 is not exactly known for performance. The 350 offers you much more potential for hoping up, and if you don't like the 4-speed you can always sell it.

Vince

In the 80's and 90's, I had a few Chevy and GM trucks.

80 Suburban 350 2bbl
83 GMC pk-up 305 4bbl (camaro eng./performer int/Qjet/ headers)
80 Chevy 3/4ton pk-up 350 2bbl
78 Chevy pk-up 350 4bbl
83 GMC van 305 4bbl

In my opinion 305s don't even come close to 350s in a truck. I'd take a 350 2bbl bone stock over a 305 modded to the *****.

Just my $.02, kitkar

I had already basically decided to get the '77 Z-28 for the 350 engine. My question was more about whether it was worth it to go ahead and get the '84 for the automatic transmission, rear axle, and any other assorted bits and pieces I might find useful.

I was also wondering if the 305 would be usable for mocking up motor mounts on my '54's frame while I have the 350 apart, rebuilding it. I don't know if the mounts are the same or different.

If it's not worth the extra $800, I'll pass on the '84, but I'm going out to make a deal on the '77 this weekend.