I would swap for a carb, it would make your life much easier. i would also take that chance to buy a carb/intake kit from edelbrock and if you have the scratch pick up a cam and headers too. i think that the carb route is gonna be easier. as for the tranny you might have to figure some stuff out to make it work with a carb, for downshifts and that junk. I would go for it. have fun and learn a lot, you will enjoy the ride when it is finished.
kyle
