There's nothing wrong with a hydramatic either. it got you there everytime you went somewhere, did'nt it? find a motor, get it put in and think about an update of the trans later. one step at a time. and don't let it worry you. you've got the support of 11,000+ know alots, self proclaimed head shrinkers, and good folks to get you through this. If I might borrow a line from GM - "See the U.S.A in your Chevrolet"