Help: Chevy 305 and 350 build questions

Bill · 2005-11-05T23:17:54+00:00

The car: 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 305, automatic, 70K miles.Never wrecked, excellent body, frame, runs and drivesas original. Burning oil (probably seals).Gentlemen,These are probably a stupid questions. I am new to Chevrolet. Only had 2 in mylife, a 63 Corvair, and an 86 Astro 4.3L.I would like to keep this 305 block in the car because the number match. Thisis an original car.But, I want to rebuild the engine for good street performance (AND decenteconomy, currently 11-12 mpg). Most of the master engine overhaul kits I havefound (so far) are for the 350. Example: JC Whitney has a complete kit for$151.99 basic question: is the 350 a bored out 305? Are the cranks the same?2ond basic question: is trying to keep this block (and numbers matching thing)a waste of time? Should I throw it away and get a 350?Any experienced advice on Chevy hot rodding (on a budget) would be appreciated.TIABill