How can u tell the difference between a 305 vs a 350?
 

Can anyone give me a way to tell by looking at an engine if it is a 305 vs a 350? I know I can run the numbers, but when an engine is in a car you can't always get to them. I'm looking at a mid 80's Camaro for the drive train, but I believe they used 305's in them during those years.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks.

They look identical. Running the numbers is the only sure fire way of telling.

You should be able to see the engine size on the radiator support, it should be on a sticker there. If it's a Camaro with a 5-speed, it's a 305 most likely. with an auto, it's hard to tell.

Camaro's with 5 speeds had 6 cyl. in them- had one. Autos had 305 v-8 and Z-28 Camaros only had the 350.

You could get v8 5 speed camaros, but they are all 305s. If its a carb engine, the RPO code for the 305 is either lg4, or l69. The l69 is the 305 ho with the dual snorkle air cleaner, the lg4 is just kind of plain looking, and has a normal air cleaner.

My truck has a '85 305,,,,,,,look on the block below the #1 spark plug (passenger side, front plug). Mine has 305 cast into the block. Don't know if they did that to all of them but it's worth a look.

IMO,,,,,,I'd look for a different engine. Mine is a dog,,,,,it will barely pull this 3/4 ton longhorn. I've heard other people have promblems with these engines too.

Yeah i know lots of people with factory 5 speed 305s ive got a motor that came out of an 84 t/a thats the ho .. and im workin on an 84 z that has the 305 with a 5 speed. pretty common.

.i've got an 84 305 and it has 5.0 stamped on the back right above the bellhousing bolts behind the distibutor..pretty easy to see

My buddy had a 84 camaro with a 305 and 5-speed. Was a decent car, not fast. Fun as hell to drive though. We beat the crap out of that car, and then he sold it to some high school kid who thought it was the coolest ever.

oops almost forgot most cars and trucks that had 305's usually had a smaller neck on the top radiator hose..the part on the radiator..if you ever go to buy a radiator or top hose and they ask if its 305 or 350 it does make a difference

I the car still has the factory engine in it , you can tell by the VIN# , which is the eighth digit from the left . It can either be a # or a letter depending which engine it is ....... jyd:bowtie:

The 305 is a good engine. It gets good milage, doesn't burn much oil, and lasts forever. But for performance, it is no good.

Thanks to all for all the great info. I've had several 305's and really haven't had much luck. Considering the availability of 350's I personally don't want to get another 305.

BTW the Camaro I believe has a 700R4 if that helps.

Thanks again.

A 305 is fairly easy to identify. They are usually attached to the end of an anchor chain. :D (sorry) :rolleyes:

BTW, Virginia beach isn't too far. :D http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=83622

If you can read the oil filter number, that will identify (if you cross reference it) as a 305. The screw in on it is different than a 350, thus a different oil filter. Also check below the #! spark plug, one of my engines said 5.7 and another had 305 cast in on it there.

says 305 on the casting on rear of block

Thats awfully funny because Depending on application be it car or truck they use the same identical filter Pf35 for trucks Or the new number pf1218 and the half qaurt for cars same thread same oil filter adaptor housing. only difference is the bore of the engine and the heads other than that gonna use same componets as a 350

305 has a larger harmonic balancer.