So all you want to do is "Hot Rod" It to easy, rebuild the engine, tranny. Paint her high gloss black with classic "California" Flames add a nice set of twice pipes, of the 3" Kind with flame throwers. voila a true classic "Hot Rod"

Get into the wicked mods in the engine and tranny only if you plan on doing some racing, (legal or not so).

As for what engine you have, Personal opinon, who cares rip it out and build a stacked 350CI, perfect for street, to much potential for later ideas in the race world.

Otto