imwalle.k

i am looking at putting a new engine into my 1986 el camino. i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what kind of engine, and maybe a good company to get one from. i am looking for a turn key crate engine. my budget isn't the most generous one either. right know i have a 305.

nauticstar87

I say a 350. not a horrible price, and you prolly have a v8 in there already. Not sure on a company though.

adam86107

I would go with the 4000hp 350, that thing should turn some heads.

imwalle.k

do you know of a good company i have been looking at http://www.enginefactory.com/ and http://www.proformanceunlimited.com/

therewolf

Hi imwalle.k

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

That's a nice looking El Camino. Just out of curiousity, how far did the 305 go before it quit?

I'd go with the 350-350.

imwalle.k

the 305 hasn't died yet, but it has 70,000 miles on it.

maxxman04

70k miles? that ain't nothin as long as you keep it maintained. with proper maintanence, 300k+ is easy.

imwalle.k

oh i know but i just want a little more power, and i was changing my oil and i noticed one of the pulleys is a little bent.

maxxman04

here's a combo for ya. 383 stroker with vortec heads, roller cam setup, roller rockers, 272 cam, gear drive (they make a quiet one) 750 carb, headers, hei distributor,

NOVAZ27

I agree with MAXXMAN04. IMHO the 305's from the 1980s get a bad rap. The one in my 84 CAPRICE has over 322k on it. It still does not use oil out the exhaust. Leaks a little here and there but gaskets will take care of that. There is some things that I have found that works for this engine.
A. Replace the timing chain with a double roller from CLOYES, CRANE ETC.
B. On said chain run it with 4 degrees of advance. This helps low end torque.
C. Open the exhaust up. Hi flow cat/s back system.
D. If you have the CC Quadrajet learn about it.
E. Get a brass terminal dist. cap.
F. Replace the Oxygen sensor every 60k or so. This keeps the CC Quadrajet happy.
G. Your choice of synthetic oil. My fav.is Mobil 1 15w50.

Doing these items on my daily driver Caprice really made a noticable diffrence in the way she runs.
Of course you could do these tricks to a bigger inch motor and have good results also.
My choice for a bgger inch is the 350/350. To much HP in that light weght ELKY and you will be spending more $$$$ on tires than an engine.
Try these items on the 305 then when you get the other engine everything should come together.

HOPE THIS HELPS NOT HINDER