What type of engine and transmission would you recommend getting and swapping into an 84 camaro z28? I'm thinking about getting a 400 from a 2nd gen trans am, or a 350 from a early 2nd gen or late 3rd gen camaro. What type of engine would you suggest getting? I'm going to be looking around for wasted cars that still have good engines and transmissions. What type of transmission would you recommend getting (preferably automatic, I don't have the extra time or money to do a manual conversion)?

 

Anyone?

 

is this something to rebuild first or just bolt in?

 

I would not recommend a Pontiac motor. They're good motors, but without access to a dependable source of unusual high-quality parts, and of course some fabrication services, that would be a difficult project.

I'd suggest building your own 350 or larger Chevy small block, or buying one from the racing shop in your area that builds them for the stock class circle-track racers that win the most. I would strongly advise against biting off on the low bid. Spend your money where it does the most good (HEADS), avoid expensive bottom end parts that you'll never get to use the benefit of, and I'd suggest using the trans that came in it (or a later-model version of it).