I'm getting all of my money together to start buying the essentials. Engine, tranny, fuel injection, headers, etc. etc.
My L4 is stupid and something new goes wrong every week. Yesterday the water pump died bad. I'm still new to fixing cars.

What should I be looking for when I'm buying an engine. I want to build a good street racer to show all of the Honda's what displacement is all about. I want to put a 350 in this car. Will a long block fit? What would be a good standard transmission to put on it? What's the difference between a 2-bolt and 4-bolt main? Would I have to modify the rear end of the car to support the new power, i.e. the differential and axles?

Any help and suggestions are more than appreciated.

 

The rear is basically the same design as V8 diffs. Depending upon how much power you end up making, it'll be fine. See the mag referenced in this thread https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=229584 for how to beef it up to handle more abuse. There's also a tech article on this board that says basically the same things. If you're going with a manual transmission, you'll definately want to go through these upgrades (because it's a 7-1/2" 10-bolt, not because it came behind a 4-cyl).

See the stickie at the top of this forum on V6 to V8 swaps. You're basically doing the same thing.

350's are available from 1968 through mid-90's Chevy cars & trucks (and some Pontiac & Olds, as well as GMC). Or, you can buy new from GM, or rebuilt/upgraded from aftermarket sources. A 4-bolt main is a little stronger than a 2-bolt, was typically used in trucks, up until about 1976 always with a 4-barrel carb. But, a 2-bolt is fine for the typical performance street vehicle.

A "good" standard transmission? Boy, that's gotten tough in the past couple of decades. The 3rd gen T5's were relatively weak, and aren't up to upgraded 350 torque & HP. They can be improved, but still can't take a lot of abuse. T56's are a lot better, but now you're talking considerable expense. If you can get by without overdrive, older T-10's and M22's are strong, but rare - therefore expensive. Richmond and Tremec make new 4-, 5-, and 6-speeds, but again you're talking serious coin.

I love rowing through the gears as much as anybody, but it sure does raise the expense bar compared to an auto tranny.

You're looking at a major project here. Not trying to discourage you, just making sure you understand what you're up against. The engine is the "easiest" of all to resolve.

 

would I be able to fit a Muncie Rockcrusher on a 350? What would I need if I could?

 

Mating it to a 350 wouldn't be a big deal. I'm not sure what all you'd have to do to get it into a 3rd gen chassis. I believe I've heard of some who have done it, though, you might try a search on the Tranny forum.