Thanks for all the replies... I found out that the Olds engine is a 350, made on April 25th, 1972 in Lansing, Michigan (you can find out a lot if you really dig...) I think I'll use it. To fix the rear end gearing issue and the problem of having a straight front axle (rough ride), I plan on getting an old delivery truck (UPS or bread delivery, etc) and swap bodies. That'll also have the added benefit of giving me disc brakes and power steering. We'll see what happens.
