Old School Engine Rebuild

You might try to find an Edelbrock LD4B intake. It`s an old school piece (like you were referring to) and makes good power across the practical driving range. Headers are a must, a viscous fan, windage tray, and bump up the compression by shaving the heads and using a thin head gasket. A good hot ignition (like the MP unit) would help and incorporating a multi-spark would benefit performance without sacrificing anything else. A hemi-grind cam or similar and better valve springs would help with performance but hurt your gas mileage so that`s something you`d have to consider. A shift kit in your trans, a sure-grip rear w/pinion snubber, and a higher rear end gear will get you out of the hole better but again the gear will hurt your gas mileage. Clamping the front half of the leaf springs will help with traction. These are all suggestions but seem to parallel what you`ve proposed. Welcome to FABO, good luck with your restoration, and keep us posted.