I am trying to decide on a suitable engine/transmission for a project that consists of a 1946 Chevy panel body mounted on a 1945 pickup frame with a '74 Monte Carlo front end and a '89 Firebird rear end. The frame setup came from a friend's rod project that he lost interest in and the panel body came from a farm without an engine or transmission. I intend this to be a daily driver with considerable long distance driving. I want maximum engine reliability and fuel economy with reasonable power. I have a '74 small block 400 that I believe is rebuildable but I don't think I could get much more than about 12-13 mpg. Another friend has suggested installing a late model Vortec 5.3 to get the benefits of computer control. Has anyone done such a swap or does anyone have any opinions about it?
