305 vs. 302: Budget Head Shootout - Engine Power S12, E3

Engine Power’s 302 SBF vs. 305 SBC Small Displacement Showdown is back with more budget minded upgrades in Round 2. The viewers asked and we listened! In this next round of testing, we upgrade the engines with what many consider to be the best production cylinder heads for each. We keep it fair and square as we show you how each engine responds to the hotrodders most affordable cylinder head swap for these dueling 5-liter powerplants on the dyno!

Part 1 - Dollar for Horsepower: 305 Chevy vs. 302 Ford

Ultimate 305 SBC Builds

PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE

Summit Racing
COMP Cams Magnum Pushrods

Summit Racing
Holley Single Plane Carbureted Intake Manifold_Chevy

Summit Racing
Holley Single Plane Carbureted Intake Manifold_Ford

Summit Racing
Proform Pedestal Mount Extruded Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms

Summit Racing
Proform Super-Street Roller Rocker Arms

Summit Racing
Trick Flow Chromoly Pushrods

eBay
Chevrolet 5.0L 305 1996-2002 Vortec Cylinder Heads

eBay
Ford GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Cylinder Heads

Edelbrock
VRS-4150 850 CFM Carburetor

SuperFlow
SuperFlow Dynamometers & Flowbenches

[icemanification]

When I heard that the compression ratio came down to 8.5:1 on the Chevy, I knew it wasn't going to perform as expected. That's a major power killer.

[lilibethdoherty]

I drove a 1993 TBI 305 Caprice Taxi Cab and Those 305 Engines ran 24 Hours a Day with Two Drivers in Twelve Hour Shifts For over Ten years and Never Had a problem, when the Mileage reached 500 K they would strip them for body parts, RIP Cab #185 you were the Best !

[justingriggs]

True engine builders understand y'all done exactly what you were able to do and more importantly what the viewers ask for. I hope you'll never quit putting out content my little girl and I love watching your videos wish we could watch them on TV but I'm from

[Andrew-jube]

I like to see a three-way with 360 351 and the 350 build. That would be a real good matchup.

[craighansen]

The everything new, relatively expensive builds are interesting but budget is so much more realistic.

[jonesbrewer]

When I saw the compression was going to be down with the vortec heads, I knew the 305 was in trouble! Great video guys!!

[kevingaraway]

Great results. The 302 was my favorite 43 hp increase from heads isn't to bad but remember in total from base it's up 93hp the 305 did great considering it was a tad over 200 on the first episode stock the 305 gained 122hp actually more gain then what I was expecting I call a win on both. I'm not a ford vs gm guy I'm a car guy this is the stuff I like to see

[AlexRogan-zo]

It's a glorious day when PowerNation posts a new video to YouTube. Not one that they have already posted 3 to 4 times like the majority of their content.

[shawnrobbins]

Literally my favorite show. I'm rebuilding the 305 in my IROC for now and not only are you guys helping refresh the memory but essentially... you're doing all my testing!😆😆

[coryridder]

I've never been a huge data nerd until the last few years. Seeing tests like these, with a relatively unbiased approach, and 2 very well versed builders and dyno operators is fun to watch. Love all the stuff a person can learn from these 2

[tygoulding]

I’m actually glad you guys did the different compressions. Gives a very clear comparison between what that much change and a simple gasket will do.

[codyslaughter]

I really like how this comparison shows that two engines with almost identical displacement and induction and head arrangement make nearly identical power and torque numbers as well as similar power curves. Even though the bore/stroke ratio is wildly different between the two (305=small bore long stroke, 302=big bore short stroke).

[jeffsikes]

Drove a TPI z28 for 20 plus years! Enjoy the 305 builds alot. Also like the 302 vs 305 comparison. U guys rock. Keep the 305, 302 stuff coming!

[GrandPitoVic]

Awesome test guys!!! It shows what compression can do to your engine.

[Jimmyfoxbody]

I have my dyno posted. Been running this set up since 2010. Initially on the stock 302 which didn’t last long before I was blowing smoke. Rebuild 306/gt40p on the stock A9L 277/324 whp. She just is wonderful vs the stock 302. Crazy seeing this after all these years! Great video.

[jordantomblin]

I’m glad y’all are doing a more budget build for these. Makes a lot of things easier for us po’ boys!

[edpetrocelli]

That was a good A to B test and the results were spot on, and cudos to whoever applies the RTV on the rails is unbelieveable, I cant come close to that! Probably a terrific welder too.

[ychunks]

Wow!!! Love the engine work u all do here, and the comparison and upgrading is awesome

[chrisgodinez]

Been watching the show for over 20 years never disappoints. But you did state the obvious. I knew when the compression ratios changed that the Ford would win. Would be nice if they were even closer to see the difference. Good job.

[meanmechanic]

Larger bore/Shorter stroke vs Smaller bore/Longer stroke plus lower comp on 305...what a surprise result!?!?!?!