The car: 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 305, automatic, 70K miles.
Never wrecked, excellent body, frame, runs and drives
as original. Burning oil (probably seals).

Gentlemen,

These are probably a stupid questions. I am new to Chevrolet. Only had 2 in my
life, a 63 Corvair, and an 86 Astro 4.3L.

I would like to keep this 305 block in the car because the number match. This
is an original car.

But, I want to rebuild the engine for good street performance (AND decent
economy, currently 11-12 mpg). Most of the master engine overhaul kits I have
found (so far) are for the 350. Example: JC Whitney has a complete kit for
$151.99

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...0010813/c-10114

1st basic question: is the 350 a bored out 305? Are the cranks the same?

2ond basic question: is trying to keep this block (and numbers matching thing)
a waste of time? Should I throw it away and get a 350?

Any experienced advice on Chevy hot rodding (on a budget) would be appreciated.

TIA
Bill

I always thought the book "How to Hotrod Small Block Chevys," which
has been around forever, was about the best all around book for what
you're doing.
I would put a very high priority on keeping the numbers-matching
engine, although you could just get a 350 to put in the car while
keeping the stock engine stored somewhere.
Personally I've always thought the 305's were a pretty good engine
when in good condition. I don't think they were known for being a gas
hog of the calibre yours seems to be, though--something's wrong there.
The smoking could just be valve guide seals, easy to check for that
and they can be changed without tearing everything apart if you have the
proper tool.

"Bill" <b@b.com> wrote in message
news:ljeqm19ouh782u9bs5mu1i3icelltcnaha@4ax.com...

I had to search and see if 77 was the last year of the "real iron" or the
first year of the plastic bumpers. You got the cool old iron.

The 350 and 305 share almost every part except the pistons. You can't
bore a 305 to 350 the cylinders aren't that thick. Cranks are the same.
Same stroke.

I used How to Rebuild your Small Block Chevy to build 4 motors.
It takes you through teardown, reconditioning, and reassembly. You
cant beat it.
With the low mileage of your motor I would try just replacing the valve
seals. It would be so much easier than rebuilding the whole thing.

I hate to tell you but there is probably nothing you can do about the
mileage. It is a big heavy car and not much you can do about that.

I know it's not exactly an economy car, but eleven mpg still seems
pretty darn low.
I've had several full-size chevy pickups of the same vintage which
would do better than that, 3/4 ton, 350 4bbl.

"Bill" <b@b.com> wrote in message
news:ljeqm19ouh782u9bs5mu1i3icelltcnaha@4ax.com...

Bill, you should be able to find rebuild kits in the U.S. for the 305. In
the off-chance that you can't, here's a link to a Canadian source. I assume
that prices are in Canadian $, so it should be even cheaper in U.S. $.

http://www.hi-performance.com/CHP/D...ildKits.htm#top

"James Goforth" <jamiegoforth@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16843-436D86AC-169@storefull-3277.bay.webtv.net...

I agree. I had a '74 Monte Carlo with the 350 engine, 4bbl & dual exhaust &
I got close to 30 m.p.g. on highway trips. In '74, the Monte Carlo was
considered an intermediate size vehicle, not a large one. It was also called
a "personal luxury" car.

I also agree with James on using "How to Hotrod Small Block Chevys" as a
reference source. Here's one link where you can pick it up for $ 18.95. Hit
on the link and then click on Page 5. It's the first item on Page 5.


http://www.autobooks-aerobooks.com/...1.asp~mainFrame

"StingRay" <StingRay@Vette.com> wrote in message
news:H4adnTgILZBkCfDeRVn-jQ@rogers.com...

That was about the mileage a Pinto of that vintage got.
A Monte Carlo of that year getting that kind of mileage
would be nothing less than a miracle.

"Scott" <homealone.com> wrote in message
news:11mrapbrt9cme18@corp.supernews.com...

Absolutely. There just isn't any way.

Oh yeah, I remember seeing that book once. I will track one down. Thanks for
the tip on the numbers.


On Sat, 5 Nov 2005 20:50:07 -0600, jamiegoforth@webtv.net (James Goforth)
wrote:

StingRay wrote:


That is pure BS, 30 MPG on a trip with a Monte. You have very bad math
skills or wishfull thinking.

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