What is wrong with the engine in it now? If it is the correct/original, you will want to keep or rebuild it. As far as getting running, any vintage (before 85/86 small block, or a 70's will be better) will do. I would try to repair the existing engine though. If you swap engines, it should be a fairly easy swap. You will need to reuse the water pump(I believe this is the short type of water pump) and pulleys to keep things lined up. If any questions, give me a pm, I do vette repairs and restoration work. All else fails, I offer to buy the vette.