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I'm thinking on putting a 350 small block in my sunbird ( 1978 V6 3.8 ) but don't want to do a lot of mods. Rear main is leaking on the V6, so I assume I need to pull the engine to fix it, so may as well put the V8 in. I already have the frame plates & will get the motor mounts from v8 Monza web site. I need to know what else I may need other than the oil pan. Like flywheel, clutch assy etc. Is there a difference between engines with the dipstick on the driver’s side vs passenger’s side?? What years are best to look for?? What V8 engines will the Saginaw bolt to?? Any help or advice appreciated.

You'll need the bellhousing. The 3.8 uses a bop pattern(I think). You'll need one for the sbc pattern. Brad

The Saginaw will bolt to any SBC engine as long as you have the correct bellhousing. I don't believe the V6 bellhousing you have will work as the bolt pattern where it connects to the engine is different. I assume you mean you want a Chevy V8? As mentioned, you will need a V8 flyhweel and clutch assembly, I recommend a 10.5" setup with any V8. I am sure there will be a lot of other little different things but it's been done a lot of times so hopefully others can chime in.

What's the best vehicle to find the bell housing on?? Will any 10.5" set up for Chev work? Also what about the engines, does it matter what side the dipstick is on?

You will need a V8 Monza bellhousing to use the cable operated clutch with a chevy V8.
Also a 10 1/2" clutch and flywheel setup as the 11" is too large for that bellhousing.
Monza's used the pan mounted dipstick due to the exhaust manifolds covering the dipstick hole in the pre 1980 blocks.

You will need exhaust manifolds from a monza also or headers specific to the h body.These have nothing to do with the trans but are specific items hat you need to do the v8 swap.Does anyone know if the trans will end up in the same place? I was wondering if the drive shaft will need to be cut!

It's my understanding that the tranny stays in the same location for v6 and v8 applications. So same torque arm and driveshaft. You will need a short waterpump, and pulleys, along with the brackets for the v8 application. Also, a v8 radiator and shroud.

Yeah, bottom line is there are going to be a lot of mods, some little, some big to swap a V8. It's been done a million times but you should be aware of this before you attempt it. If you are not willing to do a lot of mods you may want to reconsider.

Thanks everyone. I guess I have a lot to think about.

Clyde is right, but it's all bolt on mod's, so if for some reason you found yourself at a dead end, you can always reverse the process, and bolt the V6 back in.
If your tearing it out anyways might as well see if you can collect all the parts for the sway then tear into it.

i have a v8 bellhousing and fork if you are interested

Forget the Chevy V-8.
Do a Buick V-8 - you have everything you need to do the swap.
Or keep it PURE PONTIAC and do a Pontiac V-8 swap.
See 'other' GM V8 Swap links in my signature below - - check out new member Ron's Pontiac V-8 in his Astre.

As Clyde said, a SBC has been done a million times... So WTF in that? Dare to be different.