First off their are no stupid questions. Not everybody is a ace mechanic with all the answers. Ask away. We are here to help not judge. First off ,yes the 700 is an automatic and it will bolt up to any small block Chevy.
If you want the 700r4 go to
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml
They have all you want for the conversion. I put a 700 in my 76. Glad I did.You will need: crossmember (use bowtie's because it allows you to straighten out the kink in the exhaust and use a larger diameter exhaust pipe), a TV cable from a 82 corvette, Use a 87 or later trans because the input shaft is stouter or do like I did and get a hardened input shaft, a shift detent conversion to change the gear detent(on your shifter) from three speed to a four speed. I installed a 4th gear lockup kit which allows you to lock the torque converter in 4th saving wear and tear on the trans and help with mileage. You must use a lockup converter with the kit. Do some research on the trans and get to know what you want to do with it. If it is going to be use for a high HP engine (350 on up) there will be some internal changes needed. Yes the torque converter is easy to put in once the trans is out. Three bolts. Just make sure you have it fully seated into the trans. It should be aprox 3/4 inch back from the edge of the transmission housing mounting edge. The trans swap will entail a lot of little things but you can do it if you have a modest amount of mech ability or enough money to have someone else (trans shop) install it for you. Have fun with your research. You can learn alot by just surfing the net. If you need any help or tips you have come to the right place. We will get you through it. custom762008-09-09 03:58:39

Here are some sites you may want to look at. Have fun

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/th700r4.htm      (good info)
http://www.smokemup.com/tech/700r4.php (more info)
http://www.gearstartransmission.com/       (transmissions)
http://www.transmissionhead.com/        (trans) http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/techinfo/700R4p1.html        (good info) http://www.fearthemonster.com/torque/converters/gm/racing/700r4/        (trans)
http://shiftworks.com/        ( shifter conversions)

Custom76..........VERY, very good information.

ty

A little extra info..  The 200 R4 is the same length as your 350 or 400.  The 700R4 is almost two inches longer.  It is not a problem shortening your driveshaft, but I just wanted to let you know.

Larry

And the 200 R4 will fit without modifing the floor boards.  It is a lot easier to install, less mods, and you can get a very strong 200R4 that will handle the power.

Thanks  lot for the links.