After getting a lot of good input from everyone, I've decided to pull the original '69 350 and hang on to it.
I've found a 400 block from a '71 GTO (keepin' it poncho!) and a local shop is building it for me.
If someone is familiar or has gone through this conversion, can you advise me about what parts are interchangeable and what parts I'll need to find? (i.e. timing cover, oil pan, etc.)