KJZ28/TA

iTrader: (1)

I have a 1986 T/A
Before next September I want to rebuild my 305. I will be taking it from NY to FL for school. I want it to run really good and have no problems.

Right now it leaks oil in a few spots, and is a little weak. The timing tab is also missing...another excuse for rebuild. The motor is supposedly not original. I want to use most of the parts on the car, no machining...hopefully.Just new gaskets, piston rings, and clean off everything..carbon deposits, buildup, etc.

Questions.
#1-What do I need to do to put roller rockers on...I have them from my other car never used them.
#2 What is a decent upgrade cam, just want a little more oomph for highway passing....the car has no *****.

#3-Can I do this for $300-$400

EDIT: I want to keep my stock computer q jet..and try to keep the mpgs I have.

mr.southtown73

you should be able to swap in the roller rockers. if your gonna replace the rings and not do a bore job, your gonna want to remove the ridge at the top of the cylinder. and give it a nice hone job. i think you want 45 degree hash while honing. and make sure the rings move nicely in the piston, some carbon removal may be neccessary. others may have the cam choice you want to run from expirience, im just the master at the hillbilly rebuild. note: cleanliness is next to godliness. what ever you do, make sure everything is clean.

naf

iTrader: (7)

I wouldn't open it up until a compression test showed your cylinders were leaking. Unless there's a problem and/or extremely poor maintenance that 305 should give you 200k plus miles. In other words, don't assume poor performance is an indicator of engine wear. They didn't perform very well when new.

It's also unlikely you could get a budget rebuild done for $300-400 and have a more reliable motor. If it's just leaking you can replace the major gaskets, oil pan, rear, timing cover, etc. for around $50 (using Good gaskets, not the 'rebuild kit' stuff). A new, or used, timing cover can be found for next to nothing.

A good cam upgrade is the XE256 but you won't see all of the gains without exhaust work.

What kind of mpg are you getting now? Good mileage is an indicator of a good running motor.

KJZ28/TA

iTrader: (1)

naf...that cam at Summit says it is for a Ford Big block.


14-15mpg. People tell me I should be getting 20-25. I want my carb rebuilt also. Just got a new choke that helped a bit. Still want it totally rebuilt.

I guess I will leave the bottom end alone then. I figured it would also be a good experience, it would be my first engine rebuild. I have only assisted in a top end rebuild in the past.

But With the roller rockers, what do I exactly have to do.

I can try to get exhaust work done after the rebuild...it kind is a necessity because the y-pipe etc. are so rusty they are going to fall apart.

naf

iTrader: (7)

Nah, that cam model number has several different applications including a small block.

Rebuild that carb right away. It's probably keeping you from the 20 mpg you should be getting. See the sticky in the carb forum and read a few rebuild posts. Search for a thread started by Nate86. For a 15 gallon tank you're only getting ~225 miles when at 20 mpg you would be getting 300 miles. .20 a mile vs. .25 cents a mile (@3.00 a gallon). How many miles you drive a month x .05 cents. Roughly anyway.

If you want to rebuild an engine for experience, pick up a used 350 when you have the time and money and rebuild IT. That way your car's not down while you're learning and if something screws up you'll still have the 305.

You'll have to check your roller rockers to see if they'll bolt right on and if they'll clear the stock valve cover. Try one and see. I wouldn't expect to see much from them. If they're aluminum you may want to save them for the later build that will only get a few miles a year. There are some durability issues with aluminum rollers.

pandin

check oil pressure with a guage (not dash) low oil pressure at hot idle means worn cam, rod, main bearings. anything under 15 psi needs to bewatched and under 10 psi??? lite comes on at 6 psi by then its usally too late.

Performance should carry 10 psi for every 1000 rpm.

Gm books talk about 40 psi at 2000 rpm.

KJZ28/TA

iTrader: (1)

You think I could rebuild the q- jet myself? Those carbs look mighty complicated..not like a holley. how do I know the EXACT carb I have.

Yes they are aluminum roller rockers. They are Summit 1.5 ration I was going to put on my other car but they didn't fit directly on, they needed guide plates.

Would gasket matching and a port n Polish job be good? I am pretty confident I could do that myself.
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What kind of gauge..and where do put it on?


I am more of an interior/suspension guy. I dont mess with engines except tune ups and oil changes.