[smac]

Hi all,

I have a 1980 El Camino with a 229/6 and bad metric trans. The car is in great shape and the current drive train is out. I'd like a daily driver with a little zip when all is said and done and here is what I have...

*Never installed 305 short block in ready to build shape. (served a short time as a test motor at Holley carb) casting 14010201 *Complete 305 pull in unknown condition, casting 460776.
*Two sets of heads:
376450 76cc 1.72 1.50 for 262/267/305
3998991 74.5cc 1.72 1.50 for 307/350
both in used condition.
I also have a comp cam CS-252H-10 "high energy" cam, NIB.

This will be my first build-up so I'll be learning. Eventually I want something like a vortec headed 383 in it so I was thinking I could get the L31 heads / intake for my short block and upgrade it to a 383 when money permits since all the goodies / go fast stuff should interchange. Should just use what I have now and do the whole 383 separately later? I need an intake and carb either way.

I know the general opinion on 305's but its "what I have on the floor" what would you do?

Thanks,
Sean

 

[poncho62]

Drop in the 305 and drive it. When you can get a 383 or whatever together, it's an easy swap, as the blocks are the same externally.

 

[gpeak]

Why not just go ahead and buy a good 350, complete, from a salvage yard? Sell the 305 to someone who wants it. You won't be out anything if you do sell the 305, almost like trading it. Then you can go ahead and do what you want with it.