Many years ago I wanted to replace the anemic 260 CID engine in my 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass with the Olds version of the 350 CID, exterior block size the exact size of the 260, the only differences being bore and stroke, and valve and valve port sizes, so no problem fitting. BUT, as I pursued the idea I found that at least by 1980 all passenger cars (trucks were exempt for a while) sold in the US were required to be tested and certified by EPA standards for emissions for any particular engine and transmission configuration. Not EVERY car had to be tested, but a class representation had to be. According to EPA law, that configuration can NOT be altered in ANY way (even including exhaust) without further EPA testing and certification. Every reputable mechanic I questioned about this engine swap refused to do it because they said it was in violation of EPA law without the required EPA testing and recertification (at least here in Virginia). So, would someone please explain how the Northstar, et al, swaps are legally done? Here in Virginia we have a mandatory state inspection and to pass the inspection the engine/transmission MUST be entirely original, without any modification according EPA standards of testing for that particular car's original configuration, even including the exhaust system. For example, you cannot even legally install dual exhausts on a car that originally had a single exhaust system, even if you install dual catalytic converters. Unless, of course, you are is willing to fork out thousands of dollars to have the car retested AND certified by the EPA to establish new EPA specs. Local and/or state regulations for emissions testing ARE NOT necessarily the same as EPA testing and certification. EPA certification includes applying a EPA label in the engine compartment for that car's EPA approved configuration, not simply testing exhaust emissions. BTW, for Bryan, according to DMC's original specs, the base engine torque was established to be 160 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm, "Road & Track" and some others claimed 162 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm, yet another found 173 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. Regards, Ed Thompson (#6419 since 1982) Midlothian, VA