I installed a 430 HP 383 from BP to replace my old 350 that leaked so bad that I ran a hollow pcv valve to keep the oil in.... yeah.

Things I learned: Don't buy an oil filter adapter, BP engines come with one; don't buy a timing tab for an 8" balancer, they come with one; a 1406 runs too lean for it; a vintage air system alternator and compressor for a stock sbc will not fit these heads, the ports are .1" higher; don't reuse hoses even if they're fairly new; buy extra spark plugs, they break easy; fill the tank with premium fuel before you swap; buy the special crimper for spark plug wires; Edelbrock EPS intakes come with ZERO gaskets; priming the oil pump may not cause oil to come up through the push rods; Auto Zone and Oriely's can only look up parts based on year make and model or part numbers, not item description or measurements; buy the two ton hoist and engine stand from Harbor Freight - wait for the 20% off coupons on line or in the mail- they are damn good parts for the price; don't hydro lock your pilot bearing with grease; a bulb style siphon works well for getting tranny fluid in; GM branded synchromesh makes TKO's shift amazingly; when installing a distributor, drink beer at the same time; make a spread sheet and update.

Total including the 383, new bolts, flywheel, balancer, fluids, Hoist and stand, oil primer, several trips to Ace for other new bolts, intake, gaskets, headers, power steering hoses etc... $6437

I'm looking into a FItech system. Aaaaaannd I need to install my posi. Finally, I did it myself, negating hood removal and install, in 18 labor hours; worth it.
- Rob

Good job. Yes, parts stores want year, make, model, and engine size.

Yep, Remember when you asked for a part and the counter man would go o his bank of catalogs and start flipping.

Robert,
Well Done! Thanks for the tips. You've got a new engine and the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself and that's saying something these days when many guys don't even own a hammer and just write checks for everything.

Any probably color if you go to Autozone. Seems like the computer is all they know.

Great job. Go advice on changing hoses etc. proper tools like a crimper save time and trouble along the way.

For tranny fluida hand pump for $5 that screws onto the bottles are way easier to get fluids into tetra you and rearend.

LOL ....love it when they just have to have my cars info to look up a part.

Good job Robert. Drink beer while installing distributor-haha.
I learned to look up whatever part I want at Autoreilly and then just ask them for it instead of counting on them to find anything.
*rant* It's getting where these stores are almost worthless except for price and the tools they lend.. Can't buy a lot of stuff "by the foot" anymore even. I swear.
A lot.