# 305 Buick Engine -- Solid?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [December 31, 2008, 5:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144 "2008-12-31T05:15:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![oldsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e0b2c6/32.png) [@oldsfan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldsfan)\
**Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 5:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144/1 "2008-12-31T05:15:56Z")

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Anyone know anything about this engine? It is in a 1979 Buick Electra. Just wondering if it is a strong engine/dependable. The motor is original and has 118K. Thanks

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**Author:** ![mr\_josh](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mr_josh/32/3008_2.png) [@mr\_josh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mr_josh)\
**Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144/2 "2008-12-31T06:04:56Z")

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Yeah, they are just a Chevy 305. Not exactly a fireball, not exactly a fuel miser, but certainly reliable.

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144/3 "2008-12-31T06:24:12Z")

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Sure it’s a 305? I don’t think the 305 was used in the larger Buicks. The Electra should be a 350 or 403.  
Either way, they’re all good engines and maintained properly and should have no problem making 300-400k miles.

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**Author:** ![oldsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e0b2c6/32.png) [@oldsfan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldsfan)\
**Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 1:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144/4 "2008-12-31T13:23:33Z")

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Yes, I think the dealer misspoke. It must be a Buick 350 engine.

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**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\
**Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 1:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/305-buick-engine-solid/24144/5 "2008-12-31T13:55:12Z")

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I think the biggest weakness (if showing the effects from poor maintiance is a weakness) is in the camshaft,they go flat,we used to call them "McDonalds Cams,you know “ground round”,saw this more in small-blocks.