[Gearhead999]

I agree with bmxmon pretty much, except I would use an Elderbrock manifold and carb. 500-600 cfm for sure. The Elderbrock is an easier carb to tune on the street and is more driver/user friendly.

Manifolds-----they really don't make chrome manifolds. They are either aluminum or cast iron. Of course you want aluminum. Now you get that natural finish or polished, which makes it very shiny and looks like chrome. Only problem with a polished manifold is that it will ALWAYS need polishing to keep it shiny. That is not an easy task to do, because of all the nooks and crannies of an intake manifolds design. Aluminum oxidizes naturally.

Get a local muffler shop to make your exhaust and use Flowmaster mufflers.

Also, on the transmission, once again I agree with bmxmon about going with a 5 speed instead of a 4 speed. The swap will cost about the same. There are abunch more take out 5 speeds around then vintage 4 speeds. Also, the 5 speed had O/D.

Replacing the intake will/should take care of the oil leak from the rear of the intake manifold. That is a popular leak on the 289/302/351 engines. When you install, or have installed, the new aluminum intake, do it without the end gaskets. Just use RTV instead. Much better seal.

You'll have to handle the "wife" end yourself. Can't help you there. My wife has given up on me, when it comes to cars, etc. I've been in the car business all of our 27 years together. And before that too.

Keep us posted on your progress.