Alright so I bought a 84 chevy caprice classic with a blown head gasket and Im going to rebuild the motor. I know a fair amount about mechanical but im more of a body man so Im trying to get some ideas as to what I should do other than just a plain gasket rebuild. Im on a relatively low budget too so unfortunately i cant do something really sweet. Help me out! Thanks

 

Ugh, 305. Would it be out of your budget to find a used 350 from a truck, or something like that?

 

^^ Just build a 350, parts cost the same if not cheaper, more aftermarket, more power.

 

I also feel I should point out that the 305 in my first car ('82 Trans Am) had less horsepower than the 4 cylinder in my first S13.

 

Good 3-angle valve job while you have the head off.
Gasket match the ports properly.
Do some blending in the bowl and runners after doing so.
Have the head shaved a bit to add some compression.
Cams are always an option.
Aside from that, and your basic bolt-ons, the majority of what you'll find is high $$ or in the bottom end, and you're no builder, so.....

 

Replace the head gasket and save up for some parts or a different engine.

 

its a boat anchor at best

 

yeah if it were somthing I could see myself holding onto for awhile I would for sure throw a 350 in. All im tryin to do really is get it running and to be atleast decently reliable. I bought it for $300 with everyting working including pwr seats locks windows ect. so it would make a perfect beater if it were running good.

 

Drop an L98 in there, fuel injection and everything. L98s are cheap and plentiful, and perfect for a reliable DD.

 

my thoughts exactly!