Thanks! That's a lot of good info. I'm building this thing in my head and slowly gathering parts. So far these are known factors.
-5.9 magnum longblock (pulled from junkyard, going to re ring and new bearings once I open it up)
-all necessary pieces to convert to la style front dress
-redrill heads for la intake. Quick valve job as needed, hopefully they're not cracked
-Edelbrock Tr1Y intake
-1 5/8" headers
-3" dual exhaust, glasspacks, turndowns ahead of axle
-904, planning on reverse manual valve body. Have access to 3000rpm converter for it if needed
-8 3/4" rear, planning on 4.10 with suregrip
-275/60 15 rear tire size
My current unknowns are cam, carbs, and ignition. Probably some other stuff.
Eventual upgrades would be
-Icon flat top pistons
-EQ 318b heads for use with LA intake
This whole build has to be as low buck as possible. Grown up responsibilities and 3 kids keeps play money to a minimum.