305 Stroker

[shadetreegearhead]

My stepson and I are restoring an '80 C-10 given to him by his grandpa. It has the original 305 that needs serious help. I have never built a 305 because I have heard they aren't good for anything except maybe a boat anchor. I've been doing a little research and found a little info on turning it into a stroker. I'm going to honor his wish and rebuild the engine. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I should proceed?

[MrPbody]

Unless you're looking for towing power, I would rebuild it stock without the "stroker". Increasing the stroke will certainly improve low-speed performance, as any increase in displacement will help. Is it worth it? I doubt it.

305 gets an undeserved "bad rap" because it's smaller and less powerful than 350, and costs as much or more to build. In reality, it's a pretty good engine. Torquey and long-lifed. It DOES respond to performance modificatons, just not as readily or to the degree, the larger bore block does. But one of my guys has one in an '87 IROC that makes 365 RWHP. That's over 400 at the flywheel, and the thing still gets 22 MPG (93 octane). It DOES have significant port work and other performance goodies. I point to it strictly as an example of what can be done.

Add an Edelbrock Performer intake, a Comp XE256H cam, a 600 Holley 4-bbl., 1 1/2" headers (full length only, please) and good machine work, and you'll have a 300 horse "mini-monster" that will be more power than a youngster really needs!

Jim

[MrPbody]

Unless you're looking for towing power, I would rebuild it stock without the "stroker". Increasing the stroke will certainly improve low-speed performance, as any increase in displacement will help. Is it worth it? I doubt it.

305 gets an undeserved "bad rap" because it's smaller and less powerful than 350, and costs as much or more to build. In reality, it's a pretty good engine. Torquey and long-lifed. It DOES respond to performance modificatons, just not as readily or to the degree, the larger bore block does. But one of my guys has one in an '87 IROC that makes 365 RWHP. That's over 400 at the flywheel, and the thing still gets 22 MPG (93 octane). It DOES have significant port work and other performance goodies. I point to it strictly as an example of what can be done.

Add an Edelbrock Performer intake, a Comp XE256H cam, a 600 Holley 4-bbl., 1 1/2" headers (full length only, please) and good machine work, and you'll have a 300 horse "mini-monster" that will be more power than a youngster really needs!

Jim