"Easiest Swap"

[craig0ry]

I have an '84 automatic and it's getting up there in miles. I would really like to replace three things: the rear end, the trans and the engine.

I am curious as to what you guys feel is the easiest engine to transplant in without going to another crossfire?

I have a full heated garage with air tools, engine hoist + stand, etc. I have done motor swaps before, but only with simple 4 cylinder engine replacements. I am looking for something to swap in with minimal fabrication required and I am not sure what to do as far as EMS?

I would also like to replace the trans with something a little less tired, and if I am making more power, I am not sure how the dana 36 ( i believe that is what the 84 has) will hold up...

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Either buy a complete engine-transmission-ecm out of a newer Vette from a junk yard or go with a complete Crate Engine from GM performance and whatever tranny you like. The Dyna 36 will live happily with well over 300 HP but if you are going to a deeper rear end ratio go ahead and find a D44 with the gears you want already in it.
Lake Chevrolet has some good deals on Crate Engines.

 

[Ken]

... the dana 36 ( i believe that is what the 84 has)

All '84s had Dana 36 rear ends, both manual and automatic equipped Corvettes, while later years ('85-'96) used the Dana 36 for automatics and the Dana 44 for manual transmissions.

 

[G Winter]

Thanks Ken for the info on the rearend. I have a 90 with the 6 speed, you answered a question I have had since I got it.

 

[taegdh]

Spanish Vette has the right track for you.

I seem to remember reading a similar subject being brought up, and a GMPP Engine being swapped in, (a bit of old timers here), but I want to say it was a Camaro. It had a different type EFI atop the intake, short runners, etc... BTFOOM where. The article had a schematic for the wiring, but they outsourced a computer.

If you have a good block which will take a bit of boring and stroking, 383 CI? A later model EFI system.... maybe a cam with just a little bit of lope, sounding like a Harley on Steroids!). Headers? 3 inch exhaust.

IMHO the 700R4 is a good candidate to have rebuilt with some heavy duty clutch packs and a shift kit, while you are doing the engine. Good in town performance and the O./D. for highway cruising.....

You can upgrade the differential, but while you do it check out ALL your universal joints, both on the drive shaft, and the half shafts. While you're at it take the time to check and rebuild your brakes, maybe new seats, and gotta have a new radio with a CD and Satellite to cruise with... Hold on here I must be going outta my mind. The first three paragraphs apply.

Lots of Luck.