[scubajohn]

i have a 1985 gmc suburban i use on the ranch i have a 350 with a pasenger side dip stik can i put a 305 with a driver side dip stick in it? beside the dip stick what about the heads will the exaust bolt up as is

 

[ChevyFan]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but it has more to do with the year of manufacture (what year in the engine) and the block style. For the most part, you can swap out any small block chevy engine from 1960 until the late 80's (88 or 89?). It's the same block.

If the engine is built after that, you'll have issues.

 

[scubajohn]

thanks and heres more info

the engine is out of the 70s and i was told the head may have diferant exaust bolt holes than my my manifolds hoping to avoid any suprises thanks again for any info
john

 

[TrailLeadr]

the engine is out of the 70s and i was told the head may have diferant exaust bolt holes than my my manifolds hoping to avoid any suprises thanks again for any info
john

It's possible that the bolt pattern is different, but I'm inclined to say it's not.

Do you have the 305 right now? can you do a visual inspection/comparison of the heads?

 

[Davandy]

I did such a engine swap on a C30 86.

I had a lot of problems; the manifolds are different if the dipstick is on the driver side.

You can’t use the manifold from the 350 because the dipstick is in the way and it won’t fit in anyway.

If you use the manifold from the 305 those come out higher under the car so this isn’t an option

The only thing you can do is install headers, we finally did that it was the only solution.

 

[TrailLeadr]

Looks like I stand corrected. Thanks for clearing that up. Sorry.:redface:

 

[scubajohn]

maybe a custom dipstick

if the heads fit i could fabricate a dipstick on the other side so that is my bigest worry unless someone sees more problems thanks
john

 

[Davandy]

If you use a couple of headers you don't have to modify anything on the engine

 

[TrailLeadr]

Installing headers would be a positive step in the right direction. So it would be advisable to get them for that install.