This may be a stupid question, because engine swaps in general are a pain in the rear, but which motor would fit the best, and be the best swap for my third gen. It has the 350 tpi but I'm thinking a crate sbc. I have a 454 in my garage, but they're a pain in the rear as well. Just looking for decent power for relatively cheap. Also easy to swap. Thanks guys.

 

With the small block chevy, if one will fit, all will fit.

The easiest would be a direct replacement 350 TPI, but that serves no real purpouse as an upgrade.

Any small block gen 1 style engine will drop right in place. From a 283 to an aftermarket 460+ small block.

Using a carb, makes the swaps easier for the most part.

The BBC has been swapped into third gens many times but it's over all block size, weight, and tight third gen engine bay just makes it more of a pain than it should be.

I know very little about the LT/LS swaps but from what I have seen, they are probably easier now days than a BBC swap and you gain a lot more from the LSx engine swap.

But yeah for over all easiest swap, I would say an HEI dist, carb'ed small block.

 

Whats it matter how easy a conversion is. Does a particular powerplant fit your needs or not?

 

big blocks bolts up just like the small block and still has plenty of room. I even have my a/c hooked up and blows cold. its all about want you want. you can even use your 700r4 ( with a few mods). if you want a bbc then do it if you want a 350 create then go for it don't let any tell you different. I love my BBC and I love out running rice rockets ,because there no replacement for displacement.

 

couchmotors,
Did you keep the stock front K member?
What kind of exhaust manifold, headers & exhaust system did you use?
Was a serpentine or v belt system used?
Did the pass side valve cover clear the A/C doghouse?
Did you have to install a larger custom radiator?
Any fuel heat soak/percolation/hot start problems down there in FLA?

 

I used the stock k member, works fine with 5 qt pan,dont use the big truck sump pan ,right now im running exhaust manifolds it goes into a y thats goes into one behind the trans like what LS1 camaro have and its 3.5 back into the muffler in the stock position and dual outs. Im using a 4 in cowl hood because of my intake,im running an air gap intake and a 870 cfm carb. accessorys are stock v belt from 1973 monte carlo long water pump. Except for the a/c is the low profile wide bracket kit you see on ebay for sanden compressors. I plan on getting headers for it and cut outs .i have no issues with valve cover clearance on ether side . Im running aluminum radiator you can pick up with dual fans on ebay for 250 or so and so far so good. No over heating issues.also running trans cooler in rad and small one in front.along with oil cooler i hope this helps.

 

couchmotors, Thanks for all the info. Big help.

 

...decent power

...relatively cheap

Sounds to me like you'll be upgrading your TPI. Stealth Ram, cam, exhaust - you can do that relatively cheaply, it'll make decent power, and it'll be easier than a swap.

 

Cam, intake, exhaust and tune is best bet, having to pull the engine is a pain. if you do the cam swap its not to difficult, just degree the cam in, and exhaust is always a benefit because better breathing engine is a peppy'r engine and gear is also a cheap thing.