Recommendations on Mild 305 Build

I'm looking at building a mild, street driven 305 for low and mid range power. Traditional guides have failed me, because I don't want to blow a bunch of money on aftermarket bolt-ons. This is my first SBC build, but my experience as taught me that most OE manufacturers provide decent parts to improve the lives of us penny-pinchers (ex. GT40 heads for Ford Windsors). So I've come to the experts for advice.

My starting point is a flat top 305 bottom end, something I don't really want to touch. I'm looking for recommendations for factory heads mostly. I know I can't go too big on my valve sizes. Anyone have any experience using Vortec heads on the old 305s?

I'm pretty unsure about what to run as far as an intake manifold, carb, or ignition. I've heard that the 305s came with pretty whimpy cams and retarded timing, and that another better stock SBC cam might be enough to wake it up. I'm considering running rams horn exhaust (if not just for the fact that they look really cool). I imagine I'll need to go aftermarket for the intake, but was considering a trusty old Carter AFB.

Goals for the build: Fun, but not necessarily knock-your-socks-off fast. Just something that feels right by the seat-of-the-pants dyno. I'd like to retain the 305 hallmarks of mileage and reliability, actually upping mileage shouldn't be a stretch with more compression and flow, right?

Thanks!

 

I don't want u to think I am be a smart ***, but I personally wouldn't spend any, and I mean any money on a 305 , unless it was a stock rebuild ! They are just not really a perf. Engine , the bore is to small , they are just as good as ******* in the wind ! Use a 327 or a 350 , or buy a crate motor .

 

Vortec heads are 305 based too as well as 350.
The 305HO heads are a good choice as well as the heads from l69 305 found in some trucks and vans.

Since you'll be placing and purchasing items that far surp*** the value of the 305 short block, I'd pick wisely so that moving them over to another block works well. The 305ho wasn't exactly a slouch in its day and you could hope for a little more.

When talking SBCs and it starts out with Cheap, mileage, fun then my favorite is 307 short block with 305ho heads and a cam in the 260-270 range. The secret key to this combo working is starting with a 307 with a good bottom end and good compression. You'll not beat the dollar per HP ratio with any other combination.