Maybe I've learned a good lesson . . .

It's a slippery slope, all I can say is proceed with caution. I had the same idea 20 years ago, huge cam, stall convertor, gears, etc. It was fun in short spurts but was miserable to cruise. I've fell in love with the carbed 5.9 magnums, regrind cam and a set of springs makes for a fun street strip car.