forgive me for the book. i've been on this forum for a while, and i have yet to get anything done with my truck except the interior. it's an 84 shortbed. i really want to dive into the truck, but the engine has been holding me up for so long. i feel like it's the next/biggest step in order to be able to move on to the other stuff. i want a daily driver, but with a little more oomph. i am 99% sure it has a 350 in it now, but unsure how old it is. i know it's not the original motor. the transmission is a 700r4. when the truck runs, it runs relatively well, but my choke light comes on, it seems to run hot, and it stinks real bad (exhaust fumes). there are no major leaks from the engine or tranny, just around the oil pan gaskets. i wouldn't trust it to go too far, and i want it to be more reliable. i don't know if something as simple as replacing the carb would help out w/ the fumes, or if i want to get a new gm crate motor and accessory kit from jegs. that way, i'll have the engine done, and not have to worry about it. what kind of tests can be done to the engine to see if it should be replaced, or if i have a good engine. unfortunately, i have no mechanical skills, so it's gonna cost me to get the information i am looking for.