How to tell the difference between a 305ci and 350ci engine.

[rYan01400EX]

I have '84 Chevrolet pickup truck... The VIN tells me it was a 305ci. originally. BUT - herein lies the problem. I bought a 305 starter to replace mine which had went out. Didn't fit. Had to buy a 350 starter. Also, I heard that the harmonic balancer on a 350 is bigger than on a 305. Mine is about 2 in. thick.

This is the question I ask - WITHOUT HAVING TO RUN BLOCK NUMBERS - How can I tell what motor I have? What is something to look at that will automatically tell me what I have.


Thanks!
Ryan

[1fst400]

something doesent seem right. From what I under stood the two motors are identical from the outside.

[rYan01400EX]

Right - BUT There is a difference in the size of the Harmonic Balancer... I do believe.. the 350 has a thicker one on it.. AND - a 305 starter was nowhere near matching up with the flywheel.

[1fst400]

im not a chevy guy. But for some reason I think that they are the same starter. Mabie your parts suplyer has the #'s mixed up??


my dad is a big chevy fan, when I got a chevy pickup it was said ot have a 350 in it. I asked him how to tell the diffrence between the 305 nad 350 and he said that taking the head off and looking at the piston was the only way.:confused:

[wishmasstir]

check the block identification number, i think they are all on a flat near the distributor. pull a valve cover off and run the head numbers too, to see if they are 350 heads.

[Which 450?]

ALL 90 degree SBC's have 2 different flywheel sizes, I think a 64 tooth and a 72 tooth. I think its different to the years, not engine style though.

[400EXTRA]

my dad is a mechanic and he said that you cant tell from the otside you would have to tear it apart and look at the cylinders and things.

[ilpadrino113]

ya the main difference is the bore and the crank shaft.

the manifolds were interchangable as was the carb options of certain years

a 350 and 305 startor hould be the same.

I'd run the block number and see what it turns up

[JessetheKid]

i know on my 86 454 it has 7.4 stamped all over it, so i would imagine that the 305 would have 5.0 on it and the 350 would have 5.7 but have heard that they are nearly impossible for the average man to separate

check over at www.67-72chevytrucks.com there are a lot of bright guys over there

[clutch22]

Ya.. the starters in a 305 and 350 are interchangeable... its just that some starters are made for bigger or smaller flywheels.