I'm looking for a motor to put in my 1982 El Camino to replace my 305. There is a Chevy 400 with a turbo 400 for sale for $700. Is the 400 motor a good motor? Is the turbo 400 a good trans? Is the turbo 400 a 4 speed or 3 speed?

Sorry for my ignorance. It's been a while since I've been into cars.

Yes & yes, 3 speed.

Thanks 77 cruiser for your reply. Is the 400 the same block as the 350? I'm told the 350 will fit in my El Camino without problems.

And what is Chevy's auto overdrive trans called? I'm trying to save on that gasoline bill.

your 82 should be computerized for smog. you won't be able to just slide a 400 in where there was a 305 and have everything work. If your Elky has already been de-computer ized it's no big deal, but it's technically illlegal to do that. Do you live in an area where there's smog ckecks?

That price is dirt cheap if the stuff is any good at all.

Yes. I still have all the smog stuff, and yes I live in Houston where we have lots of smog.

Is it legal to remove the smog emission equipment once the car is over 25 years old?

With the exception of my 51 Chevy (has a 350), all my small block cars have a SB400. Yes, it is a good engine. If it is a virgin engine (never been bored) and never been seriously overheated, a SB400 can be built into an EXCELLENT street/performance engine. They provide lots of torque/power in a SB skin. Don't misunderstand, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for the power/torque that a BB produces. No substitute. But, you will be hard pressed to find anything unsatisfactory about a well built SB400. Everyone here knows that auto trannys are against my religion, and I have been actively supporting legislation to make it a federal crime to own a performance car (such as a Chevelle) with an auto tranny. And I think the penalty should be live in prison. Consequently, the 400 does make a good combination with a manual tranny such as a Muncie.
But, the 400/400 you mentioned for $700 is an excellent deal. To install a T-400 tranny, you will need the bigger drive shaft yoke also.