love the old girl

You can't use the trans from a slant for a v8 as the starter is in the wrong location. The trans being push button operated is of the cable type trans. You can either find a v8 cable trans and pickup a bushing for the torque converter to fit the bigger opening in the back of the newer crank. Or go with a 273 from the corresponding years. If you go with a later trans you will need to change shifter types. I myself went with a 318/904 shifted with a quarter stick shifter. I used this engine setup as is with a rebuilt trans as it was a package deal from a driveable car. I was able to pick up a car that is not highly sought after for cheap, $50. Plus you will have to find exhaust manifolds for the v8. They were only available from 64-66, and the drivers side is restrictive. Or headers which are $$. The slant is still quite a strong motor, and quite alot can be done with it. Check out this other site that involves the slant www.slantsix.org Very good info there. As far as lowering the car you'd have to loosen up the adjusters on the torsion bars up front, but this has it's own draw backs, and the rear you can use blocks. Where in Ca are you located?