82' El Camino help

hey i got and 82' el camino with a real clean body and nice paint and tires and rims. but it has a stock 305 and is covered in smog equipment so i was wondering wher ei should start because evryones saying i cant really do anything to it or it wont pass smog. can i swap engines? or should i just build up that 305 and if so where should i start? thanks
Jimmy

welcome to AF!

If the emissions system is still in tact just leave it alone. Get some better heads and a higher lift cam for it. Talk to a local muffler shop and ask what emissions it has to have in order to pass a test. If the block isnt wore completely out a cam and heads would get it a gob of extra power, and you wouldnt have to take the motor out or anything to do it. As long as you leave the emissions system in tact you shouldnt get any complaints from a inspector and you can still get some power out of it.

If it runs good but you just want a little extra power you might try some rocker arms with a 1.6 ratio. to change them you only have to remove the valve covers,take the top a/c bracket off and push aside some vacuum lines. summit sells a nice set with roller tips for $150. http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D1416%2D16&FROM=MG