Hullo everybody! Been away for some time due to being re-called to work! Can't buy experience! I have come in possesion of a Canadian 305 small block V8. Casting No 14010203 I am getting conflicting reactions regarding the 305. Can you perhaps throw light on the subject please. I got it for about $700 Can. complete with 700r4 gearbox. Suits my pocket and want to fit it to a 1975 Chev Kommando. See the pics of the car and the engine to be cleaned etc.
-- Edited by Johann65 on Wednesday 21st of October 2009 02:15:04 PM
Wondering what you are hearing. The 305 is ubiquitous and L69 305 is in the Small Block Hall of Fame. The L69 powered Monte Carlo SS, Z28's and Trans Ams. Vortec 305's power GMC and Chevy Trucks all over North America. Boatloads of performance parts available too. The cam drive gear is an area for attention depending on year, nylon gears can be upgraded to steel. You have a huge advantage because you can easily work on the engine. Why not put a in rollers and a new cam, it will never be easier.
325 horsepower 305 cid Chevrolet V8 (Built with simple bolt on mods!)
This information is a brief summary of an article that appeared in the March 1999 issue of Car Craft magazine. If you are seriously interested in this build-up, I suggest that you find a copy of that issue.
305 BUILD-UP PART 1.
Car Craft started out with an 80,000 mile (130,000km) 305 LG4 engine from a 1982 Camaro. They removed the engine from the Camaro and put it straight on the dyno with headers, 3" dual pipes to Flowmaster mufflers, and a HEI distributor with 22 deg total advance. This gave a baseline dyno result of:
The cam change resulted in a huge increase of 53 HP. Torque was up by 6 ft/lbs.
305 BUILD-UP PART 5.
Replaced stock cylinder heads with World Products 305 S/R Torquer heads.
298 HP @ 5,500 rpm. 308 ft/lb torque @ 3,900 rpm.
A 28 HP increase over the stock heads, and the 305 engine now has close to 300 HP.
305 BUILD-UP PART 6.
Replaced World Products 305 S/R Torquer heads with '96 - '97 Chevy truck L31 Vortec cast iron heads, GM P/N 12558060. These are available from GM dealers in the USA for US $408 a pair, fully assembled. The Vortec heads require a different intake manifold, and Car Craft chose an Edelbrock Super Victor. They kept the same Holley 750 DP. Car Craft says that these heads are a bolt on for conventional small block Chevy engines. If your engine is earlier than '87, you will also need a set of self aligning rocker arms, and a pair of "center-bolt" valve covers.
325 HP @ 5,800 rpm. 317 ft/lb torque @ 4,800 rpm.
TECH COMMENTS
With peak torque at 4,800 rpm, the 325 HP 305 would definitely need some stiff rear end gears (I'd suggest a minimum of 3.73 ratio) plus a high stall converter if the car had auto trans. In my opinion the WP Torquer heads are the better choice for a street engine. I think that a 300HP 305 with 308 ft/lbs at 3,900 rpm, would be a nice street / strip combination.
-- Edited by 73SC on Wednesday 21st of October 2009 06:07:39 PM
that makes me think twice about taking my 305 to the scrap yard!! How much and where could i get an engine block cleaned out? It has sandblast sand and dirt in it from when it was still sitting in the t/a when i was doing some work on the front end. Anybody can have it if they want. I still have the heads, intake, carb and such i believe.
The L69 was the last true H.O. engine. The High Output 5 L (305 cu in) , featuring higher compression of 9.5:1 with heads of the to-be-discontinued LU5Cross-Firefuel injection engine, and utilizing camshaft and 4" catalytic converter of the 5.7 L (350 cu in) L83 which was used on the Corvette of 1982 and 1984. Complete with a 2.75 inch exhaust system, topped by a recalibrated 4-barrel carburetor, dual snorkel air cleaner assembly, aluminum intake manifold, aluminum flywheel, electric cooling fan, and furthermore a knock sensor including more aggressive spark timing, this engine produced 190 hp (142 kW) @ 4800 and 240 lb·ft (325 N·m) of torque @ 3200 rpm. In most cases, being mated to a 3.73 or 3:42 ratio limited slip rear axle and a T5 5-speed or 700R4 automatic, this engine provided its driver with a wide range of rpm to play in.
The LG4 was the "low output" 305 cu in (5 L) (compared to the L69). It produced 150 hp (112 kW)-170 hp (127 kW) and 240 lb·ft (325 N·m)-250 lb·ft (339 N·m). The addition of a knock sensor for the engine management system in 1985 allowed an increase in compression and a more aggressive spark timing map in the ECM. As a result power increased for the 1985 models to 165 hp (123 kW) from the 150 hp (112 kW) rating in 1984. NOTE: previous post indicates this engine showed 197 HP on dyno. The LE9 5 L (305 cu in) was the truck/van version of the High Output 305. It also had flattop pistons for a 9.5:1 compression ratio, the "929" truck 350 camshaft for more torque, 14022601 casting heads featuring 1.84/1.50" valves and 58 cc chambers, a specially calibrated 4bbl Q-Jet, the hybrid centrifugal/vacuum advance distributor with ESC knock sensor setup, and lower restriction exhaust. The engine made 210 hp (157 kW) @ 4,600 and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) @ 2,000 rpm.
To all of you; Thanks for the feedback. I am now convinced that the other remarks are the result of sour grapes for not having a 305! Will keep you posted with pics as I start the project. Here are a few as I start stripping. This Australian rebadged Chev is just as nice to work on as my Malibu. Note my project target! By the way my 65 Malibu is running so well that it has become my daily driver!
By the way the 305 comes out of a 1982 Camaro!!! What colour scheme would you suggest? I have a set of Chrome tappet covers that came additional with the engine.
-- Edited by Johann65 on Thursday 22nd of October 2009 10:27:26 AM
What a fun little project you have there Johann, how much does the little holden weigh. 3000, 3200? Either way, it should by silly fast with a warmed 305/700r4. Was it offered with a V8? If so, I'd try to duplicate the engine to look as close as possible (or at least a tribute to) as the factory did it. Was it blue? As well as the body as a GTS. The yellow with black GTS looks sweet imop.
Just curious, what rear suspension does it have? I think I see unequal length A arms at the front.
Keep us updated on this project, It'll be fun to watch the progress.
Mark
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
That little Holden should fly with that 305. This is a great project, will be watching this one. Keep pics coming.The bore on a 305 is close to a 265 (3.767) and a crank stroke of a 350 (3.48).
Is it just me or does that front clip resemble a first gen Camaro
Or a 73ish Vega.
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
The pic that 73SC posted is of the first generation Monaro (up to 72). The 73 to 76 Monaro's had a body change and the front suspension is the same as the 65 Malibu and you can literally bolt off the front drums and bolt on the disc brakes. I have put out feelers for a set of discs for the Malibu. All "A" frame!!
The Holden is the Australian version of the North American Chevelle and the Monaro came out in several versions; LS, SS, GTS, GTR and 350. The LS came out with a Straight 6 223 and the SS to GTS came out with a 308 V8 and the GTR and 350 with the famous small block 350!
The South African version came out with the 250cid straight six and the 308 V8. The 308 engine is not very popular due to the high cost of overhaul and having phosphor-bronze bearings. The "bullit proof" 250 cid is in high demand locally due to availability of spares and dependability. Specially as replacement motors in Land Rovers.
