I appreciate all the comments and suggestions,(by the way according to the body plate decoder on this website the headrest seats are original on this 67), here are somemore of my own thoughts. The engine is out on the stand to fix a massive oil leak, so i think i'll fix the leaks and put it back in for now. I can always pick-up a 326 stick engine and store it away for later consideration. If i do decide to go that route, nothing say's that it will have to be stock, it will just be back to "original".
Phil.