150 HP for 305 Chevy Engine

In the above article (see subject), found in Engine Masters Magazine, I would like to know the total cost of the parts which the author mentions. :  

I just looked through the whole Summer 2008 issue, and can't find the article you mention.  

Thanks for your post.  Actually I read the article through the El Camino website.  It was from 2006.  Sorry I should have been more specific in my post.  

what el camino website?  

in the 150hp for a 305 article they used EngineQuest vortec heads, but they had to get them milled for a decent compression ratio, and they were only bare castings. they had a 180cc intake runner and 1.94"/1.5" valves. the world products 305 s/r torquer heads have a 170cc intake runner and the same size valves, but come with 58cc combustion chambers, and they are already assembled for about $800/pair. will the world products heads be comparable performace to the EQ vortec heads?  

THe article was written by Steve Dulcich of Westech on how to make the 305 rid itself of the Junk Motor syndrome. Very good article. I too have a 82 Chevey C10 sitting in the yard with this engine and would love to have the material list for the rebuild. It would be nice to have Westech rebuild the engine but the 2500 mile distance presents a problem. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bud  

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/enginemasters/articles/chevrolet/0667_phrs_305_chevy_engine_blocks/index.html

THis is a link to the article  

I've read this article a few times and would like some help. I'm trying to do this same exact but dont have to much to spare, so basically try to go as cheap as possible. what should I do. I have a 89 305 tbi, looking to keep the tbi though. I'm looking around for heads but either they dont seem to be the same or there outrageously expensive 1k+ for both sometimes. Do they stick with 1.6 or go with 1.5 rocker arms, i found those optioned beehive springs and dont mind getting those with pro mag rocker arms, its about 200$ for the 1.6 w/ studs which is nice, and just need vortec heads w/ intake, and i found the camshaft but i don't know if this is a appropriate for my 305 tbi, just want to double make sure. My best prices for what i've sound are on jegs.com, but if anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated!!!  

This is kind of an older post, so not sure if you've done anything yet, but your best bet for heads would be something in the 56cc - 58cc range.  Anymore than that, like some of the 64cc heads, and you're dropping the compression quite a 'bit on the 305.  You'll either need to go with higher compression pistons, or you'll need to have the heads milled.  Either way, you're spending extra money that you really shouldn't have to.
I'm actually planning a build for my '85 305 LG4, and will be using "Trick Flow Specialties Super 23" aluminum heads.  At Summit, they retail for $1,150, but they have 56cc chambers, and are fully assembled with 1.94/1.50 valves (wouldn't go bigger on a stock bore/piston 305, as you're likely to have valve shrouding issues), and accomodate up to a .540 valve lift, which is more than you will ever need on a street/strip 305.
Not sure if you've done any builds before, but you find that $1,000 or so is actually pretty cheap for fully assembled heads (especially aluminum!)

If you're looking for some serious budget heads, see what you can scavenge up from Ebay (or even from a boneyard).  Right now there is a set of '87 - '91 aluminum 58cc Corvette heads going on Ebay for about $400.

Whether you have a lot to spend or not, and depending on the power range you're looking for, it might just be cheaper to look for a decent 350.  Not trying to talk you out of the 305, as almost every Chevy fan has tried to do to me, lol, the 305 is a good engine, and you can do a lot with it.

I suspect the build cost on the article you are talking about would be in the $2,000 - $2,500 range.  And if you are not assembling it yourself, could run you into the $3,000+ range.  

Timinsk,

I looked at some numbers, and your '89 TBI is an "LO3" 305.  9.3:1 compression ratio.  170HP @ 4,400RPM, 255ftlbs @ 2,400RPM.  Keep in mind this is net horsepower (at the wheels) as opposed to actual engine horsepower (engine is probably around 230bhp).

First, you want to figure out how much your budget is, and what exactly you want to do with this engine/car when you're done with it.  Does it currently run well?  Or does it need a full rebuild?

Unless it is already a Vortec engine, the Vortec heads are not just going to bolt up.  They have a different intake manifold bolt pattern, use center bolt valve covers insted of perimeter bolt, and need adjustable rocker arms.  There are some companies that make "dual bolt pattern" Chevy heads, to accept both standard and Vortec bolt patterns.  Although most 'Vortec style' heads are 64cc chambered, so again, you're going to drop your compression (probably down to around 8.5:1) without milling or new pistons.

If you're on a really tight budget, and can't afford a new set of heads, why not just try a cam change, and of course new pushrods/lifters/rocker arms are always a good idea when freshening up the top end.  I've seen 305s respond very well to just a cam change and tune up/timing adjustment (as much as 50HP in some cases!).  This would breath some life into that TBI small block, and wouldn't break the bank.
Otherwise, I would personally tear the TBI top end off and go with a regular carbureted unit that will respond better, imho, to further mods of heads/cam/intake, etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!