What to do? 350 engine budget build! $1500 - $2000 Max

So Here's where we are at. I bought a 71 buick 455 motor to swap into the the Skylark Got some 3.73 gears for the rear end and currently deciding whether to rebuild the th400 transmission or get a 2004r transmission. It's a toss up?

The other issue that I have is I want the 455 rebuilt. I got a quote of $1899 from CME engines for a long block rebuild which includes parts. Is there anywhere else I can get it rebuilt for less or is this a pretty good deal? Jasper was twice as much.

What are your thoughts guys?

Obviously the original budget is out the door

 

Sounds about right.

 

Just wanted to update the thread and thank you guys for all the feedback. So In the end I rebuilt a 71 455 Motor and got some head porting done. Replaced all the gaskets. Replaced the camshaft wit a TA_284-88H cam. Replaced the water pump, Replace the timing chain, Rebuilt the Oil pump and primed it. (Thanks Larry), Replaced the fuel pump. New mini Starter. The engine starts right up. Went with the Joe Gibbs Break in Oil.

Had the Quadrajet rebuilt by Ken at everyday performance. Picked up some header from one of the board members here. Picked up a 2000 stall Converter to go with a freshly rebuilt TH-400 Transmission with a couple of performance mods. Picked up the TA Performance frame Pads.The gears should be installed this week by Stage 1 Automotive. I am expecting 380- 400 Horsepower and to have to buy a new set of tires by summer's end.

Never really thought I could get it done but you guys were tremendous with your tips and suggestions. Going to try to install the engine and transmission this weekend. Hope I haven't missed anything. I torqued everything down to spec and got good oil pressure. Probably going to lose a couple strand of hair this weekend

 

Good luck with the swap.

 

My 430 has the 284 -88 cam with it degreed 4 advanced and a Holley terminator efi. Really fun at part throttle. Sideways thru first and second of the 200r4 .

 

Sounds like a heck of a build with input from all the right folk, looking forward to hearing about the first drive.

 

My all iron 1970 455 with the FM cs586 installed as default with a Qjet was fun at part throttle too. Talk about power to burn, and burn it did. Sideways around curves (drifting) at 50 mph with the ST300 and 2.93 gears. Fun times.