[paris irvin]

Hello, my name is paris. I started a mild restoration on my 69 chevy impala 4 years ago. this is my first major car project. I bought an 86 chevy caprice classic from a tow yard. I took the 305/200 from the caprice and put it in my impala. Being my first project I found alot of problems as I went along. I need some help figuring out how to sucsessfully install a 350/350 from another car. Should i use an engine from an older or newer car? Should I swap the engine as a complete unit or use some parts off my old engine? I would welcome any help or advice. I am getting discouraged. I need to complete the project or scrap it. Thanks guys.

[zonk]

Hi Paris don't give up,you'll have a nice ride when done,if the car was originally a sbc should go back in little problem,I believe from 73 up you will have harden valve seats if I recall they're are short and long 350 trans,I might be corrected on that, depending what was originally in the car might have to move trans cross member,which could mean different length drive shaft.If not doing nothing wild in the motor maybe consider basic 350 crate motor from gm all new with warranty. Hope this helps some. Good luck

[jimfulco]

If the 305 setup is up & running, a 350 will bolt right in, as long as the flywheel flange bolt pattern on the crank is the same. There are only two patterns, old style (2-piece rear seal) & new (one-piece seal). If the patterns differ, you will need a different flex-plate. The Turbo-350 has 6", 9", & 12" tailshaft housings, depending on application. The 6" tailshaft was used in 68-70 Chevy passenger cars, as well as all intermediate & compact cars (Nova-sized & bigger) from about '68 until the '80's. The 9" was common to trucks, & the 12" was found in '71 up passenger cars. Your driveshaft should be compatible with the 6" tail. Is your 200 a regular 200 or an overdrive? If you have the overdrive, you might think about keeping it if it works OK.