I have an 83 regal with a 305 four barrel. I was told these motors are crap. The car ran great when I first got it, lots of get up and go. Now it is knocking, takes forever to get up to speed on the highway and going up hills takes forever. Does it sound like this engine is done. Would I be better off getting a different size engine. I bought the car from the original owner who took very good care of it and feel that it is a classy ride worth fixing. Any info on the 305 good and bad would be helpful. thanks.
I'm assuming that's a Chev 305... you may want to start by doing a tune-up if you haven't already. And, have the engine compression tested, and the timing checked/adjusted. Also, the carb may need a cleaning.
I thought Regal's came with the olds 307...poncho's and chev's got the 305's....count the valve cover bolts...if its more then 4, its an olds....Just making sure to clarify up any information before its given out. Larry :TU:
Larry, Thats a Canadian Regal. It may very well have the Chevy engine. I hate to give non-Buick advice. But if its a Chevy set up, than swapping a better small block Chevy in would be the cheaper route. Thats just my opinion. I make most of my decisions based on cost effectiveness.
For sure it is the chev built 305. I have done a tune up and move the distributor all over the place trying to set up timing. I bought a Haynes repair manual and started reading last week. I am starting to think it could be a cam shaft
The 305's in those years did indeed have problems with "soft" camshafts. I can't tell you how many we did in the mid 80's that barely ran because of the flat cam problem! You might pick up a "cheap" cam and lifter set and toss in it, as that will more than likely be the problem. Mike
If it is the cam...here is a good one to replace it with Summit part number SUM-1103...Its a summit cam for about $85.00 with lifters. I have used this cam in my old 305 with great results and sounded really cool, and had lots of getup and go! Its dual pattern, and the idle is good...not too rough at all...It's the best cam for 305's with the stock heads, I'm sure you will be happy with that :TU: ...hope that helps ya out! Larry
