Help with engine selection

[lee7462]

The j10 I bought is set up for a chevy engine. Will basically any chevy engine bolt to the chevy trans bell housing? If not, what do I need to look for on the trans to know what I can use?

What are my options in terms of size? What price range am I looking at? Where should I look to purchase this?

I'd like to spend under 1000 including the install. My buddy has a mechanic friend that will do it for me. He quoted 600-800 to put the engine in, but he was under the impression that I was doing a swap to chevy, not just a replacement and would need rewiring etc.

[HOOT]

Sounds like your truck was set up for a small block chevy already. Staying there would be a good stat as motor mount have already been changed to handle it.
Not sure what year works with what but I think alot of the 80's era 350 will work. As far as rewiring if you are going carb. it should be a no brainer to hook up. If you go fuel injected engine you will need alot more of stuff that most likely isn't there.

I would go with the 350 for cheapness and probably more power as well.
Like I said though I know nothing of different bolt pattern if there are any.

[FSJ Guy]

What transmission? What motor was in it before?

[HOOT]

It had a chevy already. The tranny is a th400 with a chevy pattern and AMC guts to hook to the quadra-trac. Everything was rebuilt a while back but not reinstalled and the engine got put into something else.

That's all I know. There is a post somewhere with that info. I seen it last night.

[lee7462]

You got it right, HOOT.

[lee7462]

What's a fair price to pay for a running SBC 350? Not thinking of a rebuild because I don't have the cash to pay someone. Not sure if I could do it myself, and I don't have a lift or a stand anyway.

[BarryL]

Mid 80's to early 90's, pre vortec, with TBI, you should be able to find one for anywhere from a $100 to $350. There is no shortage...

[lee7462]

Would I be correct in assuming that I could use just about any Buick, GM, Pontiac, Chevy engine with the TH400? Just need an adapter? Possibly not need an adapter?

[HOOT]

Would I be correct in assuming that I could use just about any Buick, GM, Pontiac, Chevy engine with the TH400? Just need an adapter? Possibly not need an adapter?

GSMikie may be able to tell you what all will fit. He is the TH400 guru.:thumbsup:
Maybe try PMing him,.

[FSJ Guy]

Find out what year the tranny was spec'd for and go from there. I bought a freshly rebuilt TBI 350 for $700. It pulls my 1 ton flatbed truck real nicely. Not much power at 75mph, but it's a big box on wheels and I'm not planning on drag racing with it.