I have a complete, rusty 2dr car. My plans when I acquired it years ago was to restore it and keep it original. I lost interest for a while, and now am thinking about the car again. I am thinking of a more modern drivetrain with some creature comforts, maybe OD, and fuel injection, etc.
Option one, use a nova/camaro subframe, and piece together a 700R4/350 combo, and probably rear end from the camaro/nova.
Option two, use a complete frame/drivetrain from say a 88 Caprice donor. shorten/lengthen as needed.
Option three, use a Mustang II type front end, and piece together the rest.
Option four, keep the 50 frame, convert to a disc brake set up on the front, swap in a FI 350/700R4, and swap rear ends.
Which of these methods should prove most successful and which would be easiest/quickest? Thanks guys from the newbie
Boyce

Depending on the year used, you may find that the Nova/Camaro is a little too wide on the front track to make a good candidate. The Caprice is out of the question.

Option four would be the simplest/easiest, but you'd still have to deal with 60 year old steering and suspension designs.

I have no idea the depth of your expertise in pulling off a clip swap, but as for me, I'd find a '78 to '86 G body GM product and use both clips off it. Track is 58.5" and should be about right for your Chevy. Monte Carlo, Malibu, Cutlass, El Camino, Grand Prix.

The G body may be a good option. I could buy a complete donor car, with running drivetrain....OD V8 with fuel injection. I could possibly save a lot of dough having a complete donor car, rather than buying everything seperately. Now about the firewall. How much would I have to modify it?

IMHO, unless you get real lucky on the condition of a donor car, you are going to have more in it after you replace tie rod ends, ball joints, and brakes. If you have good welding skills (or a friend who has good welding skills), I like this kit. I have their kit on my 41.

http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/pr...cfm?prodID=1017

The cross member bolts in and the spring hats weld on.

If you would prefer a complete bolt on, these guys make quality stuff. I have their rear suspension kit.

http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page28.html
http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page29.html

Remember, all the parts are new in these kits. New brakes, bearings, suspension and steering parts. They are narrow, so you don't have to worry about special offset wheels or special control arms. Just my 2 cents.