Hiram,
Don't worry about heart transplants. I went half way to where you are and have lots of good company here with questions answered.
I swapped out to a inj 383 and 5 speed. Keeping the OE 3 link and 3.73 gear. Should be able to run with big dogs all day long.
Most of what you want to do has been done. If you are not a good fabricator you will spend more money on premade parts to get the job done. Everything will fit and you will be able to hide it easily.
