vortec 350/th400 help

[cutty651]

i was hoping sum on can help me with a good setup for engine transmission i been leaning towards a lower mile vortec 350 with a th400 my i know sum guys say this for the chevy forum but what ever any help be appreciated i am a nwbie at engine/transmission just going by what i read and been told plan in future is to get a 1999 6.0 escalade engine thats why i am going with th400 at least thats plan for now 350 vortec will work so my question is which would be the best vortec choice for 81-88 cutlass i plan on switching to carburator and non computerized distrubitor and adding headers and other question is which transmission th400 short tail or long tail 2wd or 4wd assuming 2wd and is their a difference between a turbo400 and a th400 or they the same thing thanks for help newbie..... any tips or help pleaseeee

 

[cutlass1914]

I really wanted to go with a olds 350 or 455 but If its not a 350 or a 455 from the late 60's or early 70's then you arent going to get much power. So I decided to run a vortec engine from a 1996 silverado and its more power than I will ever need. I just purchased some monte carlo engine mounts and put them in the very last set of frame mount holes towards the front of the car. I also ran the fuel lines and the starter harness to the right side of the engine. Swapping the enging wasn't too bad. I used a 700r4 so I can't help with the transmission. Good luck on ur project.

 

[cutty651]

thanks what did u do use computer n fuel injection or u switch to carb if so what u have to change just carb and distrubitor ? and my gas lines are all ready on drivers side of car but must had a chevy in it at once cause they added rubber hose to extend it to passenger side plus did ur 70024 transmission bolt right up since i know pretty much nothing on engines and transmission other then taking out the 307 and a 350 but learning quickly lol just hope its not the hard way so come on guys give me some feedback i need help

 

[86 Grand prix]

I just did that swap but built my engine before installation. Your fuel lines and tank pick up will work if you go with the carb. I went with a Q-jet and a Mallory electronic distributor. If you can find a Vortec in a HD truck then it will most likely have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump and will be four bolt main. Most Vortec blocks are not machined for the mechanical pump. Mine was. I used the Performer intake. Make sure you plumb it for external water bypass. The new blocks and heads do not have a bypass built in like pre 86 blocks. It makes the thermostat and temp gauge do weird things without that bypass. The transmission will bolt up but you will either have to change your flywheel or make the three converter bolt holes elongated to match the converter. I used an 80'S S10 Blazer 4.3 serpentine set up from a salvage yard and a reverse rotation long water pump. It fit perfect. I used a turbo 350 but am looking for a good 700R4 now.
I have had one short test drive with no lights, tags ect and it felt very strong.