In my search for an extended cab pickup, I've only been considering the 350 V8. But, since I'm not finding anything (I guess people like them so much that not many people are selling them), I'm considering getting a 305 V8. I don't need tow anything heavier than 5000lbs (trailer with Jeep CJ-5 or tractor). But, I do need to be able to pull the Jeep up the hills when heading to the mountains with it. Plus, I like to have passing power when I need it. Has anyone gone from a 350 to a 305 and regretted it?
Danny, I have not gone from a 350 to a 305, and much of this is subjective, but there's no way I'd recommend a 305 for towing much of anything. I have a 1991 Extended Cab K1500 with a 350 and it's barely adequate with a bed full (6.5 foot bed) of hay (about a ton worth), much less towing 5,000 pounds up hills.
I bought the truck long before we had horses, and if I had to do it over again, I'd get a diesel or a big block. Also, note that this truck is not a daily driver for us.
Torque is what gets you off the line, horsepower is what keeps you going [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]
I would compare the tq and hp ratings of both engines and see how they stack up. Also look at the rpm curves associated with each.
You would also need to look at tire overall diameter and transmission/rear axle ratios to make a good decision on what rpm you would run at specific mph ranges, such as 60, 70, 80, etc. If the rpm you ran at 70 mph was right in the "sweet spot" tq/hp rpm curves, then most likely you would be satisfied with the performance of your engine selection.
With that said, my choice is almost always for cubic inches, as this inherently builds torque. My 91 Silverado has a 350 - I have been considering a new truck but also would like some real world owner comments on the new engines (think they're about a 327 ci). For me, that 350 is awfully hard to beat as an overall good driver.
My experience with the 305 is consistently BAD. It's gutless, it's a gas hog, and it's and unreliable. When it does break, which is often, it's a throwaway, particularly the heads.
Do yourself a favor, continue to look for a 350. 10 times as much motor as a 305.
Mosey, My bro-inlaw has a 327 in an extended cab 1/2 ton. 00 or 01 model. He loves it. Tons of passing and pulling power. He hauled some cows for me over some pretty mountainous roads, did'n't know they were their except on the very steepest grades. Also towed 10 4x4 rolls back on the hill with same results. The gas mileage was the kicker though around 18 to 20+ on the highway. All around good match up. But it's a chevy, and I swore off them. But they're lots of things I have swore off in the past. [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
Mosey
I have had all three including the 5.3L (.326) I have now in a 2002 extended cab. It is hands down the best of all three,power,gas mileage and torque are far better than the 350 or 305. I wouldn't even consider a 305 towing up mountains and the 350 was OK but it would run out of juice passing or up steep hills towing. I would try to find a used truck with that motor you'll be impressed. I am not sure which year they came out with it. I think it was 00
Just my .02
Mike
I replaced a 91 Chevy, 350V8, with a 2003 2500HD with the 6L (364ci). I think Chevy got it right with this engine. I tow a 27’ travel trailer on usually one vacation trip a year and several weekend getaways. This truck/engine combo is great. If I remember correctly, it’s got 300HP and 360lbs/torque. Gas mileage isn’t the greatest, I usually get around 16-18 empty and 10-14 towing depending on conditions. It’s also my daily driver.
The 350 is a great engine, and I’ve towed many a miles with it, but this 6L has won me over. As I get closer to retirement, I’ll probably end up with the same truck but with the Duramax/Allison combo. I talked with a lot of full-time Rvers, and have heard nothing but praises for that combo.
On the downside, you can only get the 6L in the 1500HD and up.
I quite driving Chevy trucks in the mid 80's, I've had the C10 with a 327 and a couple with 350s. The 327 was far and away the better all around engine. A co-worker as a '99 1500 with the 5.3L (325) and he really likes it, pulls a Kobota tractor with FEL and BH. He said under load the milage sucks but other then that it works OK. My current truck is a 2k F250 super duty with the powerstroke diesel, I'll never go back to gas in truck. Just MHO.
So, compared my current 1989 350, the 305/5.0L is not that bad on paper, more hp and not much less torque. The newer 350/5.7L is big step up in torque though. That's going to make a big difference on the steep grades. I'm thinking I may be OK with a 1998 305/5.0L since I don't tow all the time, just occasionally. What concerns me is the comment earlier "When it does break, which is often, it's a throwaway, particularly the heads.".
PS: Another thing that worries me about the 305/5.0L is resale.
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