thanks LouC I may have to take you up on that offer. I am located in the lompoc area. Anyways, quick update, with a friend of mine we rebuild the engine. It ended up being a 71' 400 with 455 heads and a ram air IV cam. The mere fact that I know that this is a ludicrous setup now, means I have come a long way when it comes to understanding engines. We replaced the cam with a lunati 262, and put rebuild 6X (89cc) heads on it.

Bottom line, runs much better! I'll be tackling the front end bushings and suspension parts next, which I think I have a handle on. However, I also want to replace the stock rear-end, with something that makes more sense. I believe it is an open 2.56 ratio rear end right now. I currently have front disk brakes, and am ok with keeping drums in the back. Does anyone have any suggestions/experience with a source for a bolt on complete rear-end with drum brakes? 3.55? Thanks in advance. Sherman