Hi group,

Tomorrow, I am taking my grandmother out to the local GM dealer to
pick up her new (to her) Impala.  When we do this, she is going to be
leaving her 87 Cutlass with us for us to do with what we please.

Now, I love this car.  I loved all the big cars I've had, as I am,
myself, a big person.  I loved my 86 Merc Cougar, I loved my 90 Volvo
740 Wagon, and I've always loved this car.  She's had it since it was
new (one owner), and the old stereotype rings true: It was driven by a
little old lady to church and the market, and that's it.

My question is, I may feel up to putting (some) time and money into
getting it running normal again and perhaps fix some minor body work
(can't have a huge car driven by a little old lady without some bumps
and bruises).  *If* it turns out it needs a new engine...what would be
an easy swap for it?  What engines would drop in and bolt right up to
that tranny?

It's got the 3.8L in it now, which I'm assuming is going into the
3-speed Automatic (column-shift).  Carbourated.  Does the 5.0 bolt up
to that tranny?  Would I be best off getting another 3.8 for it?  GM
3.8's are a dime-a-dozen, but what kind of year range/model list
should I look at for donor cars?

I don't *think* the tranny is slipping but I haven't driven it very
much yet.  I would not like to change the tranny (I've done FWD on my
Maxima and RWD with my dad's 260Z...Tranny's are nowhere near as fun
as engines...but that's not saying much) but if I could get a good
deal on one I'd consider it.

I'm really looking for a project, and I'd hate to see this car get
scrapped.  The interior really is in cherry condition and a car like
this is a dying breed.  The only REAL big-cars you can get nowadays
are Fords (no thanks)...and carbouraters? Most the younger mechanics
have probably never seen one.

Thanks