I’m looking at buying a 1981 el Camino used. The asking price is around 3500 I believe the owner said it’s a 305 V8. My issue is the beauty has 200,000 miles on it. And I’m hoping someone can help me out and tell me what a rebuild might run me or if I can get away with running it awhile longer. Or if a rebuild is even worth the effort instead of putting in a new engine. I intend to have this as a everyday driver but wouldn’t mind a little more muscle if I have to go the new engine route. Any help is much appreciated as I’m at a total loss here and having already gone to Chevrolet and there heritage website fruitlessly.

 

I was never fond of the old 305 CI motor in most Chevy's (not talking about the Vette' 305 motor). The 350 CI had more HP and used about the same amount of gasoline. I'd check it out real good, particularly the automatic transmission. Me? I'd drop a performance 350 in there if you need to swap motors. Should be a pretty easy job to do.

 

I agree with henry,a possibility?that it already has a newer motor?200k on a 305,suppose it can happen

 

It isn't impossible to have a high mileage engine, and may not be original. I also agree if or when the time comes, slap a 350 in there.

 

What condition is the body in? Does it have a lot of rust? What do you plan for it besides a daily driver? Is the 305 the original engine because a numbers matching vehicle is worth more.