My 72 Cutlass

I have a bone stock 72 Cutlass given to me by my older bro. I am a smart kid so I know the specs...Its a 350 cid stock engine with I believe the turbo 350 3 speed tranny that is currently falling apart...The engine has about 140k miles on it and still runnin but I do want to change it.

My questions are these: Should I switch to a Chevy SB and if yes, what do i have to do to the original engine cradle? The Turbo 350 Tranny is able to withstand I think 400 ponies so should I keep that or upgrade to a higher capable Tranny and which one? And What are the best shock and spring combo for the Olds cus I love my car and all but turning does suck... lol

I would really appreciate it if someone really breaks it down for me on all the questions I asked

The 350 is a small block already, so any other small block motor will bolt in. You could put a Corvette engine in it, the only thing that might not clear is the oil pan. Start looking for parts for it, there is a lot of stuff you can do to those cars. It's pretty nice looking, I assume the body is pretty straight by the way it looks on the pics.

Yea the body is good but there are rust spots and I am thinking it into a convertible...more value on the car if I ever think of selling it.

rebuild the motor and tranny. it's ridiculously easy to get 400hp out of the 350, and the TH-350 will take it no prob after a rebuild.

You know I was thinkin along the lines of maybe upgrading to a 454... I know the olds could take it cus the other engine that could have came with the cutlass was a 455...Only thing that bothers me is if the auto tranny could handle (I am not ready for manny yet :( ) and if the oil pan would clear...Everything else I could handle thanx to the great products of the Original Parts Group ;)

if your'e gonna use a 454, hen you're gonna want to use a TH-400 with all that torque