Thanks a ton guys, holy cow, this is really helpful stuff.
Gtrboyy, how did u solve the trans tunnel clearance? Did you trim/file the box or massage/cut the tunnel? I'm hoping to not have to chop too much stuff in this process.
Vin999, thanks for the tips on tailshaft and wiring - do you know anyone who can clear the vats stuff? And what's the process? Just supply ECU and money?
And yes re: fuel tank it's IRS so the straps will need a look at.. I wanted to go earlier donor like a VN to avoid some of these little quirks, but this whole car came up for $1k so it's too good not to buy
I also spoke to vehicle standards briefly while I was at regency last month (bought a caravan from Vic) and the bloke was very helpful.
He said if I just slapped a 308 in the car from say, a VK, then all I need is to have the rear end changed from drum to disc, and then it's just an engine number inspection/signoff at regency.
I told him about the 304 plan and he went and spoke to a couple people.. came back and said that because I'm going to EFI, it's changing the aspiration so "they'll need to look over it" but when I said I'd prefer to avoid any engineering reqs, he was pretty chill and said "nah you won't need any certs for that engine swap".. I should've asked more but I'm pretty much assuming that the 304 swap will mean a tier 2(?) inspection.. which is fine as I'm planning to do this right and have a 100% roadworthy car anyway lol
And VC / Vin, I did look at swapping the top end over to carby as a possibility of expediting the rego process and just making paperwork smoother but yeh the price for some of those manifolds is steep for just a weekend cruiser that won't make more than 200hp anyway
Plus now I'll have an electronic trans, I have to go ECU/EFI
And as much as I love seeing a filter poking through a bonnet, I don't want to have to put a reverse cowl on it, and I cbf dealing with the boys in blue if I don't!
If I get it all running and I wanna spend a little more later, the Edelbrock low-rise with injectors and throttle-plate and filter would definitely be on the cards - keep it looking somewhat period correct and just old-skool cool!