I just dropped a nice 400 into my 86 TA. bolted right to the original mounts.. however, I don't have the trans in, so I'm sure there's a reason such as alignment, etc for the aftermarket mounts. Also my motor has a torker intake and an air cleaner is NOT an option as the vent tube on top of the carb JUST misses the bottom of the hood. The alternator bracket is an easy fix. Just move it to where the AC used to be. With it being bolted to the stock mounts, the stock 400 oil pan clears everything. the oil filter will NOT clear, so a shorty or a relocation kit needs to be used.

I'm only posting this because I had the engine left over from my 73 catalina and I recently aquired an 86 TA less motor. I'm going to get a trans adaptor plate and use the 700r4. I also have a race th400 that I'm going to make a separate crossover for so I can switch for race weekends.

I'm a little worried about the stock rear end though.. gonna have to save some dough to beef that up so I don't snap axles like twigs. THe poncho motor I have is approx 400hp and 425lb/f of torque. I suspect LOTS of burnt rubber. I'll keep checkin this thread out for any other updates or info on doing this swap and also post anything else I run across. I have a set of poncho headers that REALLY look like they will clear everything.. AS soon as the snow melts AGAIN, I'm going to try to fit them in.

I'm pretty siked for spring now. thanks again for the inspiration to tackle this. I'll try to get some pics soon.