New to fourm. V-6 vs V-8 & Manual vs Auto???

[pmercer]

I'm new to this forum and seek some advise.

I have a 1961 GMC 910 Step side short box with a 235 three speed. Rear end gears are 390. I recently installed power streering from a '81 chev and love it.

The problem I have is that with the above configuration the truck screams on the highway. I cruse with a group who all have V-8 automatics so they usually want to cruse at 60-70mph. At that speed my truck is at 3000-3500rpms.

I would like to keep the truck some what stock. I have sourced a 283 from a '65 pontiac and would love to install it in my truck. From reading some posts on this fourm, I think the 700 R4 automatic would be a good match.

So my questions are;
- Will the 700 R4 bolt up to the 283 or will I need some special adapter plate.
- Are all 283's the same. I have heard that some are different.
- Will the 700 R4 fit in my truck since it is a short box and pre'63.
- Other than the typical (yoke, drive shaft, engine mounts, trans mount) what else will I have to modify.

Thanks

Peter Mercer
St. John's Newfoundland Canada