If the engine is that tired, what about the trans? You want to put a 400HP SBC in front of a trans that has about 160,000 neglected miles on it. Are you nuts?!?!? If the 305 has decent compression, then fix the 305. It probably has a vacuum leak and a worn cam/timing chain, easy to repair.

I would look at swapping in a running 350 from an older truck or van from the 90's. It will be a world of improvement over the 305. If this is your first car, I wouldn't do a engine build at this point. Machine work is expensive. The cost of parts adds up quick. Its much easier to get something thats already running with a bit of mileage

If you plan on building from the ground up expect to budget at least $2-3k to do it right. A half assed motor will end up trash in a couple thousand miles.

or

fix what you've got and learn some stuff

If your looking to do a 383 swap. Your probably looking at 5 to 6 grand to do it right.

1200 for a Eagle Rotating Assembly.
600-800 for Someone to to Bore and Hone.
1000-1500 for a Decent H/C Combo
1000 For a Full Exhaust
1000 for a tranny rebuild.
500-800 for Top end parts. Lifters, Rockers, Springs, Pushords.
1000 for a good Ported Intake and a Good carb.


Thats Just the Tip of the Iceberg. And your Already up to 5K. So if you got that kind cash to spend i say go for it. If not save up. Becuase either way you look at it. Your gonna spend that kind of money trying to build power. Whether is be a 350 or 383

^:nod:

If your on a tight budget forget about the 383 and stick with a simple streetable 350 that can handle a 100 shot.