1986 El Camino engine swapping question

[Tuggy24g]

Yes the guy told me it has around 540. He is also giving me everything I need from transmission to motor mounts.

 

[titanica217]

big blocks look cool in a small compartment. do what you want and take your time. One piece at a time for those of us with a tighter budget, but all good things come to those who wait.

 

[BBC_cutty]

Hey I have a 396 that I bought on ebay for 2800 that came with everything. When I mean everything I mean everything. It came all the way to nuts and bolts to put it right into the engine bay. Well since 5th gen El Caminos did not have big block in them I was wondering how hard will it be to get one in there and what will I need to add to get one to work properly?

i just finished putting a 472 in my 86 cutlass, for the most part almost everything went smooth, the motor slid in like butter, but i also took out my inner fenders, and my heater box...

im running a whole new fuel system with 2 pumps, one holley black and one blue (for nos), the exaust was easy, the starter was a pin in the *ss,

overall it was an eazy upgrade!

 

[BBC_cutty]

if you want really good handling, go with a small block. if you're showing off and occasionally at the drag strip-you have the BBC, you might as well use it.
as to transmission? a properly built 200r4 will hold up to BB power (especially the 396-not the most powerful motor) and the th-350 will easily take it. you do not need a th40, they're really a truck transmission and overkill for a car.
do you know how the engine was built? what cam, compression, etc? or if it's just stock, what car it's from? some of them were REALLY wimpy.

DONT USE ANYTHING LESS THEN A T400 with your bbc, ive had 2 BUILT th350 that broke, they only handle up to 500 hp MAX, 200r4 JUNK!,

my t400 has al new kevlar clutches, TCS converter, about 3k to have it built......

 

[megaladon6]

my old boss has a th350 in a 6sec 200mph god only knows how much HP and nitrous drag car and very few problems. and he ain't the only one.
there are quite a few 8sec cars with 200r4's, if built right and and you adjust the TV cable PROPERLY they survive quite a bit.

 

[Tuggy24g]

Well I am getting the engine put into my El Camino. As of right now I am getting a new radiator and front springs to on. The other stuff I will get when I get enough money (rear end and all new suspension)