Auto Parts: motor, vehicle safety inspection, small block chevy

Question
yes i was wondering i have an 81 monte carlo it had the smallest v8 in it can i put a 400 small block chevy in it

Answer
    Yes.  All GenI small-block Chevys are externally identical and can be interchanged.  The transmission will probably not work with the larger engine, however.  They used a very weak transmission back then and a 400 would probably break it.  The only other obstacle you might have is local emissions laws.  For instance, here in Maryland I could do the swap and pass the emissions tests so long as all of the emissions devices were still in place, but I couldn't pass the required vehicle safety inspection that is mandatory when I sell the car.  At that point only the original size engine with all of the original equipment (converter, single exhaust, A.I.R. pump, etc.) would pass.  We have one of the most difficult set of regulations here, however, and in most of the country it wouldn't be a problem.  If you think it would be, just paint the whole thing black like the original and use a O.E. aircleaner and no one would know the difference.