I have a '71 skylark convt. The motor is OK but the cost of rebuilding it seems high. I've rebuilt small block chevy's in the past and am considering buying one from the bone yard, doing the rebuild, and installing it into my Skylark. I'd like to have any problems ironed out before I start. Such as:

Mounting block problems?
Transmissiion adaptors needed?
Suggested Chevy engine?

Any assistance in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Bob the cop.

Conviently enough, I have the exact same car, and I am currently in the exact situation, except im trying to get rid of the small block for a buick 350.
My car came with an 86 305, which I just rebuilt.
The first thing you'll need to do is move the motor mounts foreward about 2" or so and weld them back to the frame, or drill holes and somehow bolt them back on. I would sugest getting the engine as close to the tranny as possible (while still on the cherry picker)and mark on the frame where the mounts will go to make sure they're straight. Then take the motor back out and attach them.

As for transmission adaptors, Im not 100% sure if the TH350 in my car is the same that came with it, or if it was installed with the engine, however, i don't have an adaptor, so perhaps it will bolt up without one. This shouldn't be to hard to figure out anyways.

If you're going to get an engine with an HEI distributor, I believe you'll have to do some rewiring, the big thing is installing a relay in the power wire to the distributor, which is also switched to the ignition circuit so that when you turn the key off the engine actually shuts off. I suppose you could also just run a 12v wire from another circuit which is only hot in START/RUN. If you're going to go this route, post on here or email me, and I'll give you a site with wiring diagrams.
As for actual engine choices, as far as power goes, the 305 is good enough to get the car moving at a decent pace, and is allright on gas, but if you want more umph, then go with a 350!

If you need anymore help, just let me know!

Good luck!

Ben

The transmission has a different pettern for the Chev, so by the time you get an adapter,and buy an engine, you would be better off building the Buick. It will also save you a ton of work!!