Thank you so much guys I really appreciate it! Im just having a coffee and absorbing everything you've all written.

I thought you might be interested to know:

I bought a disc brake conversion kit so I can convert the front to disc brakes (early model Holden/GM). I dont know how you guys go with conversions over there but here once you changeover from 6cyl to V8 you have to change to disc front end (by law). The car has to go to Regency which is our Government Transport Department. You have to submit an "application to modify" form detailing everything you are changing i.e motor, trans, front end etc. They approve it "in principal" and then the car has to be booked in for inspection. With luck the car gets passed and if not it is defected and has to be rectified. I am not doing anything to the motor at first, I am leaving it Chevy orange with the standard carby (Rochester 2 barrel) to get it passed at Regency but once I bring it home again - yippee! I have been given an Edlebrock performer manifold and Holley 650 carbie. I would eventually like to pull the motor down and fully rebuild it (warm, not stinkin) but my husband keeps saying "you don't want a real hot motor do you?! Actually I would!!!

I want the car to look as standard as possible when it goes to Regency because those guys are notorious for being picky and difficult! You can't even have a bonnet scoop here in South Australia (in the other states it is different). You can only go 20% bigger in engine size than what the car came out with, without having to get an Engineer's certificate. Engineers have to do things like chassis stress test, brake test and lane change all at approx AU $2500. I guess the good thing about an engineers certificate is that the car will be passed.

Anyway that was a bit of trivia for ya. Thanks again and I'll be in touch once Ive done the changeover to let you know how I went.

Trish