Looking for some wisdom. My elky has 127K on a 305 V8 and has been drinking coolant for a while. No visible leaks, but there is milky crud on the filler cap. Engine runs good without any abnormal noise.

Here's my dilemma, I started getting quotes and the 1st one knocked my socks off, $1200 or $1100 if the heads don't need to be resurfaced (wouldn't it necessary to resurface). Of that total the labor is $930. I haven't heard back from the other shop I contacted, but I started to wonder if it would be a better idea to sink the money into a 350. The tranny is a 200R4 and it's a one legger with computer controlled Quadrajet. We also have emission testing in Oregon so I've got to consider that.

labor is labor, and those guys have bills to pay also. the parts aren't very expensive. i'm not giving you a hard time, i've recently been there myself. i had a friend who was knowledgeable, and needed to make some $, he charged me $500, and did a phenominal job, and we didn't surface the heads. the heads aren't usually the problem unless you really over heated the engine on several occasions. in fact it may not even be the head gaskets, it could just be a intake gasket (in my case) the 305's are known for this, so unless you know for a fact it's head gaskets, you might get away a little cheaper...

if i was you, i'd invite some knowledgeable friends over, buy all the beer and steaks, and make an afternoon of it, maybe slip them a few $, and you'll be up and running in no time. the car i did this with is still being beaten the hell out of by a 19 year old nephew, who just loves his wagon. i'm not a big fan of 305's, but they do take a good beating...

Only thing is if it has been getting water in the pan for any length of time antifreeze is no friend to bearings.
Like Bill said they did have a problem of intake leaks at the water ports.

Steve,
I would also bet more on intake gaskets by the sound of it. Head gaskets would be getting you some white smoke out the exhaust and/or pressure in the cooling system.

Thanks for the input guys, sounds like a little focus on the intake is appropriate.

for $1200, you could build a decent 350 for it..

for $1200, you could build a decent 350 for it..

I was gonna say- how about an upgrade to a 350? Swapping engines would take about the same amount of time (labor-wise) and you'd gain a lot more life for the truck. 350s are pretty easy to find, and pretty cheap too!

For $1200 you could get a stock 350 crate engine from GM Parts.

350 would be nice but I don't know about getting through emission testing.

Being a fresh, new engine- emissions should be a LOT cleaner than your old high-mileage engine.

Testers can't see bore or stroke...it could be a 406 and they'd never know the difference. If it runs clean, you're all good.

if it hasnt been changed, that thing is about do for a cat. converter replacement, they will leave you high and try untill the pressure gets out-before i shell out that kind of coin, i would want to know what is leaking-when you change the oil, does water come out?

One thing to be aware of, these blocks had a tendancy to crack.... at least they did in the late 80's when I worked at the Chevy dealer. Seems we had at least 2 vans in every week getting a new shortblock. They would crack in the lifter valley....

350 would be nice but I don't know about getting through emission testing.

Get one of these. GMPP 350 (http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance/809/10067353/10002/-1). Install it with your 305's intake, smog crap and electronics. It will run much stronger, get better emissions, better mileage and many years of trouble free service..

Looking for some wisdom. My elky has 127K on a 305 V8 and has been drinking coolant for a while. No visible leaks, but there is milky crud on the filler cap. Engine runs good without any abnormal noise.

Here's my dilemma, I started getting quotes and the 1st one knocked my socks off, $1200 or $1100 if the heads don't need to be resurfaced (wouldn't it necessary to resurface). Of that total the labor is $930. I haven't heard back from the other shop I contacted, but I started to wonder if it would be a better idea to sink the money into a 350. The tranny is a 200R4 and it's a one legger with computer controlled Quadrajet. We also have emission testing in Oregon so I've got to consider that.

Here's an idea. Upgrade to a 350 but to one out of a later truck with fuel injection. You'd probably have to do a entire drivetrain swap, unless you find one that's from the early 90s truck or Surburban before computer controlled transmissions became the norm. Anyting from a later model vehicle, and you'll have to swap the transmission also. I think it'd pass emissions with flying colors.