96 305 tired.

[GotAWD]

hey guys i have a 96fullsize 2wd ext. cab short box 305sb. my truck has some 231000km on it and the engine is hurting. im looking to either rebuild the engine or replace it.

what would you guys do rebuild or replace. im looking for some more power. but im not looking for something stupid a la tim the tool man style.

i figure 2500$ MAX on the engine. i have a friend that owns an engine shop that im gonna go talk to. heres a couple things that have ran threw my mind.

1. keep the old block and stroke it make some more power and such.
2. get an LT engine from an F,Y or 9c1 car.
3. get an LS engine and stuff it in.

any ideas? thanks for the input.
i did forget about the GM crate engine. since im looking to keep it. im looking to make into a project truck. i just want to get it mechanically sound for now. do the rest of the work when its running good.

[big swede]

With that kind of mileage I wouldn't spend a ton on it so I would probably do a cheap rebuild or keep your eye open at local junkyards for lower mileage example. If you plan on keeping it for a lot longer you may want to consider a GM crate engine because you can get them with a warranty.

[69Chevy]

You can pick up the base 350 crate engine for pretty darn cheap, I'd go with that route. Engine rebuilding can get spendy and the way I see it is if you are rebuilding it you mays as well do it right anyways. Also if you start boring and stroking the stock 305 I don't know what that would do with the TBI and PCM. The base 350 would almost be and direct replacement. I'd rather have a 350 instead of a 305 anyways, but that's just me.

[86fleet]

I would get a 5700 Vortec. I imagine it would easiest "new" engine to put in, and is essentially as powerful as the B/D body LT-1. Of course, a crate motor would be nice if it fits within your price range.

[GotAWD]

im looking at a ZZ4 crate engine, its got nice power and all but what about my OBD2 stuff will the stock intake fit or willl i need one from a 350engine? im gonna be going to the dealer and ask them on monday if they can inlighten me at all on this subject as they should have some infor for me.

i have checked the GMPP website but i havent had a lot of luck finding things oaobut it. i also checked other parts of the web. if anyone has any info its greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

D

[nailhead425]

The popet injector setup can't support a ZZ4. You'll need an aftermarket alternative. I beleive 300hp (gross) is the max, or about 20 lbs/hr of fuel.

[GotAWD]

Originally Posted by nailhead425

The popet injector setup can't support a ZZ4. You'll need an aftermarket alternative. I beleive 300hp (gross) is the max, or about 20 lbs/hr of fuel.

ok, my final desicion is just to get the motor replaced with one from GM instead. less headaches and the truck is gonna be around for a bit for me. as for a project truck im looking for the mid 60's style, i think it was the advanced design truck? not the 68 to 72 style but just before that. thanks for the input.

i live in ontario canada, if any one knows some one that is getting rid of one let me know, thanks.

[member12]

127,000 miles is kind of low for a rebuild. I had a 1995 model 305 truck with 160,000 miles when I sold it 4 years ago, and I know the owner now has over 200,000 miles and is still running good.

Maybe there is something else wrong with the engine....that is low mileage to be having that much trouble.

It sounds like you just want lots more power (reasonable considering the 305's horsepower output).....whatever you do, keep us posted. I'd like to know what you can fit in a C1500 truck.

[ockgator]

you can fit anything GM builds into a 1500... from a lowly 4 cyl up to the 572BB.... the Dmax would fit but the allison would need some firewall massaging

anyway back to the topic at hand..... find a crate 350 or a good vortec 5.7 to drop in... probably need to reflash the ECM but stock fuel pump and wiring harness should work fine