I'm not a Chevy guy, and certainly not an engine expert, but I know that on small block Fords when you add up all the parts, labor, and machine costs it is usually cost effective to buy a set of out of the box aluminum or cast iron heads. If you're not gonna race the thing, why not just use what works?? A 3000 stall converter on the street ??? Sounds like it would generate way too much trans temp for street use. A milder converter that flashes around 2200-2500 RPM would probably be a lot better deal. Five speeds are nice cause you have the overdrive 5th gear and can get away with deeper gears for in town and still run down the highway without zingin the motor.