so since i got my 00, my 84 is officially off the road, no plates, nothing. i've decided to actually fix the stuff with the replacement parts that i've had sitting around for a while.

now idk i'f im going to sell it of its going to become a 2nd daily driver, weekend beast, etc.

i think an engine swap is in order, but keep in mind, i'm not looking to have a beast of a motor as in thousands of dollars invested seeing how i have car payments for the other car. i may be looking for a long block-complete motor that can have ~50,000 or so miles and not need a rebuild. so my price is around 300-1000 tops, lt1 has more leeway obv.

which do you think i should go and why.

honestly at this moment i have no preference.

 

only ones that will fit in your buget are the sbc's, all the others will be more expensive because of conversion parts and modifications.

 

yeah i know, thats why now i'm in no rush really, i'm hoping to pay off the car in about a year and a half 2 years tops, after that i'll be fine with spending money on the 84

 

I could do a 400 HP Vortec 350 inside your budget, but that's the best you could hope for on that budget.
I still get frustrated seeing LT1s going in these cars. The only good use for them is 2WD S-10 pickups. They're the only decent engine that really is a really perfect fit for those little pickups, if mounted far enough back and low enough.