Potential donor truck

[FL71C10]

I am still searching for an eninge and transmission for my truck (71 c10 swb 2wd, was originally a v8 automatic truck). I have found a few that I am trying to decide on. Maybe you guys can give me your opinions:
1) I found two motor homes with low mileage 454's in them. One is a 1990 with a carb and a Turbo 400, the other one is out of an 86 motorhome. They both have less than 60k miles and I think both of them are still in the trucks and I can see and hear them run. One is $700 and the other is $900.
2) I have found a few vans with 350's that have around 90,000 miles for about $500 each.
3) I found a 1994 suburban frame with a 350 automatic 4WD. They guy took the body off and may not have all of the wiring or other parts. I think this is a problem waiting to happen due to the potential missing engine computer accessories. $500
4) I found someone who has a turbo 350 transmission that was rebuilt by Aamco in 2004 but he has no paperwork. Don't think it has been run since the rebuild. I thought I could find a small block to use with it but didn't know how longs the seals etc would last in a rebuilt trans. Whether or not it was actually rebuilt or not, who knows?

I'm not a big horesepower guy and I think I would be fine with a small block. How tough is it to put a big block in these trucks and which option (or neither one of them) do you guys think would be a better option?

How much is a crate motor?

Thanks!

[thepunisher]

How difficult it is to get a big block to fit depends on how mechanically inclined you are. I don't know the differences between these trucks that came with a big block and those with a small block. I would think the only fitment issue you would have would be with headers or manifolds depending on which you use.

The cost of a crate motor totally depends on what you want, Scoggin Dickey has always done a decent job of selling reasonably priced engine kits. I looked just to see what an inexpensive kit costs and they have one for $2,275.85 (http://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-d...er/10067353kit). That being said there are plenty of local and other national options available. I saw that Summit is reselling a national re-builder, not certain of the name or the cost. I'd say your prices are spot on too, I have seen the TH350's selling for $200 or less and running 350's selling for around $300. I don't know what kind of shape they are in or how complete, I just watch craigslist. Personally there is no replacement for displacement, I'd go with the 454 and the TH400 if you want to keep the cost down and get a complete setup.

[FL71C10]

Any other ideas?

[Camaro_nut2001]

Carb'd Big Block and TH400!

[FL71C10]

Thanks Camaro Nut. Anyone else have any thoughts?

The guy with the 1990 motorhome and 454 is pulling the engine out this weekend. It only has 48000 miles on it. Would that motor fit my truck with the stock manifolds on it? Do I need to get aftermarket motor mounts?

[JimmyFloyd]

I believe the answer to both of those is yes.

[propanemudtruck]

Along with no replacement for displacement, think power to weight ratios.. If you can keep a somewhat level head and light-er right foot that big block could get as good if not better mileage than a carbed 350. The tourque that the 454 gives could yield potential to have a pretty high geared rearend.