Wow, did not know I would get those responses!

gtoman_us wrote: .  I do find it interesting that some of the vocal response is only on engine replacement? For consideration the question is why not the same responses for installing 5 speeds, Ford 9" rears, alum radiators, GM calipers. Can anyone hear the crickets chirp?

That's easy,

the engine is one of the things that sets the personality of the build. 

It wouldn't be that much different than if someone posted about swapping a 69' Camaro hood and fenders onto a 69' Javelin.

Or putting a GTO dashboard into an AMX. 

Swap the brakes (AMC stuff is tougher to find & expensive), or transmissions & axles if you must,

but atleast put in something in that's a practical improvement.

You'd hear objections if someone swapped out a Model 20 rear to put in a (weaker) 10 Bolt Chevy,

but not as many would object when the swap is to something as good as the AMC part, with better availability,

like an 8.8", or an 8.75".

  Just like I can't see removing a 904 trans for a TH350,

but could see swapping in a 200-4r or a 700r4

or pulling out a 4speed for a 5speed.

But even trans/axle & brake swaps are more easy to reverse later than an engine swap.

Most SBC swaps seem to be more about the owner being afraid of using 'something different'

than about what the project actually needs.

I cringe just as much when I hear a SBC starting up under the hood of an otherwise perfect 1950's Ford F100 as I would when its in an AMC.

Another example would be;

I love the Dodge Flat Head six in my old M37,

it IS the personality of that truck.

 I wouldn't swap that out for a SBC, SBChrysler, AMC, or anything else.

It makes that truck what it is  

rant over