first, it's not a "310 cubic inch" engine. it's a 310 lb-ft torque rating. the displacement is an even 300 cubic inches and ( assuming it's original ) it's got a 2 barrel carb and intake on it. 60s Buicks are confusing for many newbs because the number on the air cleaner doesn't have anything to do with displacement or even hp.
http://www.teambuick.com/reference/y...ine_number.php
the good news is that the 300 is a member of the Small Block Buick v8 family and you have oodles of swap options. the 350 Buick ( 1968-1980, taller deck than the 300 ) is definitely one of the more straightforward options. if you're trying for minimum expense with max performance, you want to stay with the 1968-70 engines for the high compression pistons. if you're looking at a major rebuild, 73 and newer have stronger rods.
the 340 ( 1966-67 ) is possible ( same deck height as a 350 ) but not a good choice due to scarcity of parts.
the Land Rover v8 ( in production until 2004 and common displacements up to 4.6L, uncommon in 5.0L ) is one that people don't expect but that can get you fancy stuff like EFI and serpentine belt accessory drives. the Rover would also require a trans swap or trans adapter plate.
the Buick v6 family is based on the 300ci block, so you could also swap in a 1985 3.8L turbo Grand National power train with minimal difficulty.
another common swap is the Buick 455. the 455 and Buick 350 are within .050" of each other in stroke length and it's not unusual for people to mistake one for the other as they also have very similar deck heights and head widths. this swap does require new frame pads and engine mounts and a new fan shroud.
but the most important distinction is that a 350 Small Block Chevrolet is an entirely different animal than a 350 SBB. SBC 350 conversions can be made but you have to run entire new wiring looms and accessory lines and you'll have to swap the trans.
whichever way you go, the trans is probably not going to be that important. you've likely got an ST-300 which is a light duty 2 speed trans with no lockup.
if, however, you've got an ST-400 ... that you'll want to keep. a Super Turbine 400 is an early version of the ubiquitous TH-400 only it's likely got a switch pitch torque convertor in it.
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