I know where I can pick up a 87 Firebird Formula for $500, with a working 350, it needs some body work, but isn't completely shot.

I also have my hands on a 454 and a 4spd rockcrusher tranny. Is this a match made in heavon or am I going to be seriouly be cutting up fender/firewalls? Also what can the rear end of that era take?

What are the major hurdles with putting a bigblock in?

 

The motor shouldnt be that bad. There are plenty of guys that I've seen do it with very little skills. The trans is what's bringing some things to mind. First, a crossmember. If you have some fab skills you can modify the stock one or make a new one. Next would the the linkage for the shifter. It would be very hard to use the stock console too and depending on how the linkage runs you'll probably have to modify the floorpans for clearance. Of course you'll need a custom driveshaft. As for the rear, the 9 and 10 bolts that came in these cars are notoriously weak. It may hold up for a while behind a stock big block but wont like too many clutch dumps, especially with sticky tires. It can be done but it wont be just a bolt in deal.