the engine in my 86 blew, instead of rebuilding it, i wanna get a new engine, 350 preferrably,

do i have any concerns on it dropping right in or not?

what should i look out for? or should i just stick with a 305?

i want a daily driver with a little ***** to it, ive heard something about the flywheel not matching up if it wasnt the same year but only on the 86's? but this was a long time ago, so i could be really wrong

 

Alright I'll give you an answer to my knowledge despight the fact that I am here more for help than giving help 86 was a changing year for the engines in Chevy's. There are 86 and pre engines and post 86 engines. I beleive the change had to do with the mounts and location of one of the pumps and dipstick. Basically if you get yourself the older 86 and pre 350 it will drop right in. A post 86 350 will be a challenge reworking pumps and dipstick ect. I found this out the hardway after I was givien an engine by my uncle and was redoing it for the experience of it all but planning to put it in my 88 camaro afterwords. When the machinist who redid my block found out I wanted to put that engine in my car he told me there would be all sorts of problems with mounts ect because of the change after 86. If you want an everyday driver thats got some power but mileage I would stick with the 305. I decided to do that. 600cfm carb, edlebrock intake manifold, 3" underpipes, headers, flowmasters, and a low rpm cam - heads kit from edelbrock will give you roughly 310 HP which is fairly good for a 305. And considering third gens have some get up and go with a stock 305 I'd imagine youd have a good deal of power for the street.

So to sum up 305 and 350 are a direct fit swap as long as you get the correct year engine.