I've got a totally stock 305, and I was just wondering what would be a good combo as far as upgrades and mods that I can do, I'm not talking big money, but ya know, I can afford new parts and stuff.

I don't really know much as far as old cars go right now, I just want something to breathe life and give a little zip to my old american muscle!

headers, performer or performer RPM intake, 600 carb, and maybe a 268 camshaft

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 1981coupe400ci:
headers, performer or performer RPM intake, 600 carb, and maybe a 268 camshaft</font>

exact same

Also, if you have money to burn, a set of Vortecs or a set of Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads will fit a 305 and will also be enough to feed a 350 or 400 later on!

Unless you do change the heads, I might consider going with a smaller cam. Possibly a comp 260H? I thought the 268h was pretty close to borderline on a stock 350?

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by sikzdrivr:
Unless you do change the heads, I might consider going with a smaller cam. Possibly a comp 260H? I thought the 268h was pretty close to borderline on a stock 350?</font>

I agree. The 260H would work better for a 305.

If you can find them, get a set of L98 aluminum vette heads. They have the small 58c chambers to keep your compression. They are pretty sweet compared to stock 305 heads.

A set of ported 416 or 601 casting 305 heads will really wake up the motor also. Check on Thirdgen.org on the success those guys are having home porting those head castings.
Depending on your year, you might already have a set of those heads.

If you have a stock 4brl 305, I would do a set of headers first, then the camshaft (something like a generic 214/224@50 cam), then a dual plane intake and carb.

Those heads are great heads if you get a great deal, but none of them will out perform the Vortecs so if you have to invest much you may be better off buying new, refurbishing old heads gets expensive fast,
If you get a set of old heads for $200 then need valve job and guide work youve just spent more than a New set of Vortecs just something to keep in mind when pricing used heads.

Yes, a set of 305HO, -601 heads and a CC 260HE will do you nicely as will a set of cheap, 1.625" four tube, long headers...

And if it will fit under your hood, buy a Holley, 300-36 and a 600 cfm, 1850 vacuum secondary Holley carb.

A 300-36 is a dandy even if a good old regular Performer is adequate at your power level until you want to grow into a 350/383 motor...

pdq67

Engine Builders around my area sell 305 heads for $50 for a pair. Some even give them away!

Thats how I got the 601's I ahve right now.

There are a lot of people who have bought ZZ4's and upgraded to better heads latter. Maybe you can find one that needs the money. I wouldn't spend more than a couple of bills on heads though - save money for 350.