Cadillac Repair: ENGINE SWAP, small block chevy, chevy engine

Question
I Have a 85 Caddilac Deville with 114300 and a 4100 that I brought from a friend for 200 bucks. i have since put about 400 bucks in it. It has about 500 bucks in body damage and needs a new spendle (right wheel make this horried clicking sound) and ac compresser about 90 bucks for both at a junk yard the interior is in excellent and the body is fine except for that damaged rear qp . my question is (finally) should i persue this endevor. and if so i was thinking of replacing the engine but not with the 4100 how can i find out which engine would be a good swap for me one that i would have to make the least changes thanks in advance bill  

Answer
Hi Bill, If your area has emissions testing then the logical choice for ease of installation would be to put in another 4100 engine. They also put a 5.7 liter or 350 cid diesel engine from Oldsmobile in there so a carborator non compuerized Olds 350 engine would be an easy install. Also in 1989 or '90 they went to a Chevy 5.0L so again a non computor small block chevy engine would fit in there. If you can do alot of the work yourself then this might be a project worth doing if spending say $1500 to $2000 is worth it to you. Otherwise if you will be needing help with the body work or engine install then I would shy away from this project and get a later model Caddy with the Olds or Chevy engine already installed and the body in better condition. Sure it will cost more initally but you won't have the retrofit headaches. Also if this is the original trans it may not have much life left before it needs to get replaced and that needs to be factored into the budget too. Good luck in your decision. Bill