Vannin' Home Forums Chevy Performance (GM) BEST WAY TO UPGRADE A 1991 CHECY 305 V8?

Have purchase a 1991 Chevy "Shorty" with a 305 v8 (L03); Automatic; Been looking at the specs on the engine. Wondering it there is a way to get bit more HP out of it (bolt on upgrades). Really do not want to get into pulling the the motor out.
Info from the internet:

The L03 produced 170 hp (127 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) of torque at 2,400 rpm in 1993–1995 GM trucks. This engine used the TBI Throttle Body Fuel Injection, which was a hybrid between EFI and carburetor technology. It used an EFI system with electronically controlled injectors, which were mated to a twin barrel "carburetor" body. It featured "swirl port" heads (helped emissions, but severely stunted power output) and served as the base V8 engine in all C/K 1500 Series GMC/Chevrolet Trucks/Vans.

Wondering if the heads could be replaced that would help while keeping the stock fuel system in place?

Thanks

I'm not a Chevy guy but I believe most of the 350 bolt on upgrades will work on a 305.

The best way to up grade is to put a 454 in there ....lol

don't I wish...........

Thanks again for once again renewing my Bigblock Envy.
Small blocks are cool, but theres no replacement for displacement or as an old friend of mine used to say "The only substitute for cubic inches are green dollar bills" Lol

Heads are way down the list on making power as much as some people like to trash them.

Its chip tuning, exhaust, camshaft, intake manifold and then heads in that order.

Same way you upgrade a 350 or any other engine for that matter. Start with the cheap and easy things, work up to the expensive harder things. Just keep in mind, you're not going to get a power house with smaller displacement, but it should do fine.

Start with intake and exhaust. Better breathing, and better exhaust extraction will get you a long way for limited money.

What is your rear gearing and trans. A lot of low end torque will make it feel more powerful off the line, but suffer in the long run. The opposite is true as well, more high end HP will make you feel like you're flying at top end, but suffer off the line.