I have been looking for a replacement engine for my '69 Camaro 307 and I have found one through a friend for about $1200 complete w/ accessories from the carb to the pan. I am going to look at/drive a 400 SBC tomorrow in a Chevy II that he will take out of his car and sale it to me. He has not had the car long and does not know alot about the engine other than it "screams". First of all - I am going to have the engine looked at by someone (don't know who) who can evaluate the engine. What tests should I ask to be performed so I do not look totally ignorant - even though I am. Assuming it checks out - is it an OK price? As a SBC it should fit right into the stock engine mounts, right?

I was thinking of getting an LQ4/LQ9 but I could see where it is possible costs could quickly exceed my budget w/ all of the computer stuff. I have been wrong before though. I thought I would keep it simple for now since this is just a street car.

If I do buy this 400 SBC and I want an automatic -What should I get?. I am 6'5" and a clutch is not knee friendly in a '69. It is for cruising anyway. I would like an overdrive - Can this be added to any transmission I buy if I have it rebuilt?? Stupid question I know - but I AM stupid about this stuff.

Any words of wisdom you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

As far as the 400 goes I would be check the following:

Compression on all cylinders should be very close(If I was buying it they would have to be within 7psi)
Look at the plugs to see if there is an oil burning problem or lean condition
Look for leaks
Pull the oil cap and see if the engine looks clean internally
Get the car good and hot and see if the oil pressure is acceptable( I would want atleast 15 psi hot at idle)You know the bearing clearances are decent
Pull the radiator cap and look for oil floating

David, your budget is at 1200 bucks right now. Save up a little more and buy a brand new engine.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_755609_-1_10763

I bought this engine and it slipped right in where my tired old 307 was sitting. I got the carb and manifold kit as well, but returned the MSD, I would have had to bang a dimple in the firewall. Anyway, I'm glad I did get a new one instead of someone building one.

David I understand you want to run an automatic. Keep in mind if you for any reason need to run a stick that many of the 400 blocks were not drilled for the clutch Z bar stud on the block above the oil filter. The boss is there and you can drill and tap the hole yourself. I've had to do this myself and it's easy to do out of the car. The hole can be drilled all the way through the block as the drill exits the block into the area where the flywheel normally is and not into a water jacket.

Just thought you might want to know this in case you have to go stick for awhile, and before you set the motor into the car.

200-4r is a great tranny. along with 7004r. I cant remember what tranny you have to ding the tunnel a little. may not be either.
I would follow above advice for motor opchecks...:thumbsup: on the 400 for 1200 running.

I would print off mortecs head casting and block casting # pages and take with me, pull valve covers and see what heads and block it has.

Try to see if it has 3 or 2 freeze plugs per side. 3 is definite 400. 2 is either or. My 400 is 2 freeze plugs.

Look at the balancer to see if it has part of the OD scalloped away. 400 has external balance.

Pull a breather with it running and see if it has blowby vapor.

Take a long screwdriver or hose with you to listen to it.

Feel the oil to see if they thickened it so it will carry pressure.

Comp test etc like the previous poster had.

Find one of these things not to your satisfaction and buy it for 8 or 9.:D

I appreciate the info from all. Last minute change of plans put me at work late and now I am doing the father thing w/ the kids. I won't see the engine til tomorrow am. One day these boys will be driving this car I am sure. This is my first Camaro - a car that I have wanted for 20 years and I will never sell (God willing). Lookin forward to working on it with the boys. Thanks again for taking the time to respond. I know a few things to look for now. David

The Chevy II guy may want to keep the oil pan - it's probably notched for the chassis.

Good Luck!