Isn't this Car Craft?   I thought being a ham-fisted visigoth was a good thing.  

It's Car Craft not Car Shaft. A ham fisted Visigoth guided by an Athenian is a good thing when wrestling with engine blocks and transmissions. It's not a good thing to be one when designing and deciding how those blocks and transmissions should go together...
Steve  

Well said... I agree the chevy engine is the way to go. I dropped one in my 74 Hornet and never regretted it. I'm going to assemble a how-to book to enlighten all the guys that keep asking me how I did it. I entertained thoughts of going all AMC power, but getting the needed parts from the local AMC guys was like asking for a glass of ice water in hell. They hoard, they chuckle, then they judge... so I went with the 350/700R4 instead. In the end I hear more positive reactions than complaints. Look for the how-to guide on EBay soon! Remember, the origianl backyard hot rodders did transplants routinely, in the quest for performance. In my case parts and money (or the lack thereof) made my choice. I'm sure I'll catch the heat, but I saved grannies mint 4 door from the heap.