Chevy small-block 305?

I was wondering if the Chevy small-block 305 is a decent engine. I had heard that it was absolutely horrible, but I figured I would get a few more opinions before I gave up. It would have a cam from a 350 in it, but no other major mods. Thanks.

The Chevy small block 305 was the work horse for GM in the 80s.
It was used in Z28s for quite a few years. Here's what they managed to get out of them:
1982 Z28 5.0L (305CI) -165hp(CFFI)
1983 Z28 5.0L - 190hp(4bbl High Output Carb)
1984 Z28 5.0L - 190hp(4bbl H.O.)
1985 Z28 5.0L - 215HP(Tuned Port Injection)
IROC-Z 5.0L - 215HP(TPI)
1986 Z28 5.0L - 190HP(TPI *new emmissions requirements)
1987 Z28 5.0L - 215HP(TPI)

I think with ported heads and a good cam you might be able to get 280HP out of it. Try asking third gen owners about them. I'm sure they can provide much better insight.

Try www.thirdgen.org , it's more popular to mod a 350 than a 305 but it can be done. It's all what you want in the end. I like my 305 and it's a TBI. Check the site out though, lots of info.

Well.... Thanks for your numbers and advice. The numbers aren't bad, but I expected a little bit more. Maybe I'll switch over to the Ford 302, they are said to be stronger engines. Thanks

I have an 87' z28. I think that the 305 is junk. Don't bother wasting any time or money on one. For the price of rebuilding a 305 you might as well get a 350.

general concensus on the 305 (i believe) is that it was a poor choice for the maro. however if you would like to talk to 92RS i believe he will tell you that the engine can make some serious power, if you know what you're doing...

With the proper parts the 305 can be a contender. I pushed better than 400hp out of mine. Those numbers that where posted where the "conservitive" stock numbers. If your going carb then I'd get an edelbrock performer rpm intake a holley 700 vacuum secondary, edelbrock performer rpm cam or comp cams extreme energy cam with the same lift, world products torquer 305 heads, roller rockers, and if it's a pre 87 block get it machined for roller lifters. Long tube headers and true dual exhaust with flowmaster 40s. That with the right compression will put you over 300hp.

don't tell me ur puting a GM in a Ford please not dude for the sake of GM