305 Engine's
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
305 Engine's
Recall reading some early 80's California Vette's actually had low hp 305 engine's to get by strict emission standard's. If so, these had to be some pretty dog car's. Is this true, or my imagination. Curious how many of these were sold, and if any still survive intact today.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 4
From: Surrey B.C.
Yes, the 1980 Corvette had a 305 ci engine when sold in California. The engine made 180hp, was RPO LG4, and was sold only with an automatic transmission. There were 3,221 sold. In 1981, the 350ci engine was certified for sale in all states, so the 305 was a one year only option. While many are derisive of a 305 engine in a Corvette, its 180hp was only 10hp less than the base L-48 engine. As for how many are still out there, running around, I would guess that the majority are still with us.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Really not looking to upset anyone here, but saw some recent post's mentioning the 305, and recall an old Motor Trend article. For some reason the GM 305 never reached notoriety like the 302 Ford. My brother has a 220hp port injected version in his 89' Z-28 5 speed, and run's pretty good. My current Vette is a C6 ZO6, so guess lot's of stuff seem's doggy in comparison. Strange about the C5 ECU's, as had an 01' and battery side terminal leakage ruining these was quite common.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Whitehouse TX
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Actually, it wasn't any more of a "DOG" than the 350.. I happened to own one for 20 years and it was a great car. It was also the first Corvette that had a computer. The 350 Vette didnt get one until 81.
I pulled 23 mpg and had no problem getting to freeway speeds. I would say the mid 70's Vettes were the so called DOGS. Mine served me well. In my opinion the real DOG Vettes were the 82 and the 84.. They were the ones you will find everywhere with ultra low miles.. Why? Because they were always breaking down. The cross fire motor was as reliable as GM's 5.7 Diesel! I dare anyone to say my 80 was a DOG!
. As for GM, I have a pet peeve with GM right now.. I have a 79, which is an awesome car, no problems, but ALSO own a 17k mile 1998 C5 that is a joke. The reason is,
GM has discontinued ALL the computers in the car! One failure and Im SOL. No one is even reproducing them and I doubt they ever will. US poor suckers that own a 97-2000 C5 have no available parts to keep our cars running.. Thank you GM!!
All I ask is please do some research BEFORE calling the 1980 LG4 305 a DOG With a good shift kit in the tranny, my car would take on any 49 State 350 any day! 
along with passing YOU while you are filling up at the local Chevron Station!
.................... ................................Actually, it wasn't any more of a "DOG" than the 350.. I happened to own one for 20 years and it was a great car. It was also the first Corvette that had a computer. The 350 Vette didnt get one until 81.
I pulled 23 mpg and had no problem getting to freeway speeds. I would say the mid 70's Vettes were the so called DOGS. Mine served me well. In my opinion the real DOG Vettes were the 82 and the 84.. They were the ones you will find everywhere with ultra low miles.. Why? Because they were always breaking down. The cross fire motor was as reliable as GM's 5.7 Diesel! I dare anyone to say my 80 was a DOG!
. As for GM, I have a pet peeve with GM right now.. I have a 79, which is an awesome car, no problems, but ALSO own a 17k mile 1998 C5 that is a joke. The reason is, GM has discontinued ALL the computers in the car! One failure and Im SOL. No one is even reproducing them and I doubt they ever will. US poor suckers that own a 97-2000 C5 have no available parts to keep our cars running.. Thank you GM!!All I ask is please do some research BEFORE calling the 1980 LG4 305 a DOG
With a good shift kit in the tranny, my car would take on any 49 State 350 any day! along with passing YOU while you are filling up at the local Chevron Station! 
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Winchester CA
Original 305 in my '80 here also. Before she died out on me, I had installed ported original shorty headers, and changed out all the exhaust piping to 2 1/2 inches including a set of polished Magnaflows and she would really move. I was really enjoying her a lot. Gas mileage was awesome too.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 364
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From: Monroe Washington
"All I can say is, everyone I know that has or has had a 82 Crossfire has stated its a POS. Every magazine Ive read has stated what a mistake the crossfire is. Myself, I would never own one.. " BUT YOU ADMIT TO OWNING A POS C5. Having owned a crossfire, maybe you should get personal experience with it before you open your mouth. Mine had 200K before I traded it. Only thing replaced were plugs and fluids.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
All the 1980 Corvettes sold in California got the LG4 305CID engines with computers.
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