My 86 Silverado came with a 305 and 3 speed auto with lockup torque converter
running thru a 2.73 final diff. That was back in the days of 55mph speed
limits and it got 22 mpg when new and running with the cruise control at 55
on the interstate. The truck now has 205,000 miles on it and has served me
well but is starting to have quite a bit of trouble.
However:
1--The power definitely isn't great. It has trouble pulling trailers; no
trouble pulling itself. If I put in another engine for the next 200K, I'll
go with a 350 instead.
2--Ever since new it has had trouble with pinging; the dealer said that the
305's were all like that. I've since heard that there is an issue with valve
shrouding on the 305 heads as opposed to the 350 heads. Someone else can
surely talk about this in more detail; all I know is that the 305's ping way
too much.
Mark Noakes
In a message dated 02/18/2000 8:36:12 PM, jforbes@primenet.com writes:
<< I'd put a big block in it, but normal folks would probably do ok with
either a 305 or 350. You might get a bit better mileage with a 305, or
maybe not. You will have less torque and power with the smaller
engine. >>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|