It'* not too bad of a motor. I used to own a 1982 T/A with a 305. It was a dog, but served the purpose well.

I have a '89 IROC and '91Z28. Admined a F body site. So I might know a couple of things?

I'd try and find an 5.7L one. Much better motor. If well maintaned they can run high 14s bone stock. Most are not though.

FWIW, don't get a carbed 305 and you'll be good. My '86 TA has a carbed 305. It was rated at 165hp stock. Even with a T5 and 3.42 gears its still really really slow.

TPI 305'* aren't too bad though and is the only 305 I would ever consider buying now that I've owned an LG4.

The 305 isn't that bad of a motor. Not a lot of power, and not very fast, but they're dependable motors.

My C1500 in my sig has a 305 with TBI. It'* a great motor and gets better fuel economy than it'* big brother, the 350.

I agree 100% with Shawn. My 82 T/A was carbed and it was a major DOG, but did get the job done.

I dunno, I just ignore the motor under the hood when selecting a car.

None of the factory induction systems from the late 70'* through the early 90'* are truely "Great" Some are a bit better than others, but none are truely outstanding. The Tuned Port Injection is the best of the bunch, but even that was a work in progress as GM kept changing the control system. First It'* MAF, then its MAP, then back to MAF for the LT1.

It'* kinda unfair, they are all products from a time where people wanted the big V8, but also wanted cheap gas, low emmisions, and good gas milage. The results are engines with big cumbustion chambers with low compression, very mild cams, restricted induction systems. In other words, performance dogs.

If the need for speed is what you are trying to satisfy, start with a sound chassis. Then start planning the best high power motor you can afford.

My 89 Formula with the TPI 5.0 and 5 speed was wicked fast and pretty rare. The car put out 225 hp and got very surprisingly good gas mileage. Paid $1000 for it and sold it on Ebay sight unseen for $6000. The guy acted as if he were stealing the car from me for that price and this was about 2 years ago too.