396 Engine option...opinions

[sscooter]

Guys, since the 3.8 Supercharged Buick swap is not going to happen, I guess I have to look elsewhere....something a little more "Conventional".

I want to get something lined up before this winter so I have everything ready and dont end up w/out my truck come next spring. As stated before, the 350 in it is T-I-R-E-D

I have the opportunity to buy a '69 GMC 3/4 ton pickup with the Factory 396/400 combo from a friend of mine. The engine runs strong and the 400 tranny works fine but for some reason does not "lock" in PARK. He bought it solely because of the engine/tranny to swap into his now long-sold '70 shortbox. 5 years later and he said I could have the whole '69 for what he has into it.

the engine has some cool bolt-on stuff Edelbrock valvecovers, 1406 carb, Hooker headers, hei, etc...and is close to being "turn-key" with a few new gaskets and seals.

The Questions!!

I have never owned anything with a Big Block and was wondering your guys' opinions on if this would be a cool option for my '65 c10?

Ehat could the "lock in PARK" problem be with the 400 tranny?

finally, what would a "Fair" price be for a running 396 engine, etc?

thanks in advance!