The 302 was a special engine for the early Z28 Camaros; the displacement had to
do with
racing restrictions for Trans Am at the time. It was a high revving high
performer.
Real ones are scarce and $$$...but I've always heard that you could build one
up out of
283 and 327 parts.
The 283 in performance trim was also a high rev engine but not much torque at
the bottom
end. Not a bad engine but others can out do it.
I've always heard mildly bad things about the 307 but have no hard facts.
My 86 pickup has the 305; some people swear by them; some people swear at them.
Even GM
says that they have a tendency towards pinging due to valve shrouding. Mine
has always
had a problem with pinging...but it also has reached 222 Kmiles before just now
getting
to the point where it's struggling. The 305 was also in the previous
generation Camaro,
so I know that there are quite a few hop up parts for it...including the TPI
setup.
That said; the 350 isn't that much bigger than the 305 and you wouldn't see too
much
different in gas mileage...if that's the issue. There's more performance parts
for the
350 than about anything else.
Mark Noakes
On Thu, 13 Feb 2003, "Spencer" wrote:
>
> Hi, All. I recently picked up a 305 for my '55 1st Series Chevy, then began
> wondering if it was the engine I really wanted. I'm planning on running a
> 700R4 tranny and the stock 3:90 rear end and definitely don't want a 350 or
> larger engine.
>
> My question is a litttle off topic. What are the performance differences
> between the 283, 305, and 307 small blocks? And wasn't there a 302?
>
> I'm mostly wondering what makes one engine or another better for a mild
> buildup. I'm planning on a new cam, higher compression pistons, manifold,
> headers, etc. Nothing too high dollar.
>
> Thanks in advance, and thanks for all the other info I've learned from this
> list.
>
> Harry
> 1955 1st Series Chevy
> Reno
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|