I don't know about cars help me

Hi guys this will be my first post but not my last

Ok so i just got me a 62 chevy Bel-Air. I know the tires need to come off, the engine is form a 74 camro (108,000) and the inside well i'm going to put new leather in it. So this is my ? the car runs fine in the city but i don't trust it to take me form dc to New york. I want a car that will run great for everyday. Should i buy a new engine and will it be ok to put a Air-Bag system in it. I have about $6,000 for this project and will have to pay for labor to. What do you guys think other then that all it needs is a paint job But i want to get some heads truning when i'm going down the street so what else could i do to it.

Thanks guys for any help you can pass on.

I built a few of the 62-63 Chevies , but with the 425 horse 409. I tried a "loaded 327", but the cars are pretty heavy. Even my Biscayne weighed 3760 pounds. I would recommend a 400 smallblock with a turbo 400, since you have a limited budget. It's almost a bolt-in, and has good torque to drag that weight around. Also it's easier on that 2-piece drive shaft and rear axle. You will need a positrac, or any serious "throttle work" will eventually do-in the rear axle.

how about a 400 pontiac with a 4 speed. it can be done for under 6 grand and 400 ponchos were torquy. even a t-350 would work 400 is just heavier..............

Yeah, The T-350 would have a lower first gear. Might help it to have a little more "grunt".

But I wouldn't recommend the 4-speed. I literally went through dozens of third members.

if you are not looking for power and just want to cruise reliably, go with a factory gm 350 bought from a dealership. rated at a laughable 260 hp, but it comes with a 3 year warranty i believe. and for under 1800 for a long block 4 bolt main you can cruise in comfort from dc to new york. they also offer a 290 hp motor but only has 1 year warranty. my dad just put the 260 horse motor in his elco and says he has no worries for now since he is backed by a warranty.