I am a stock type guy so my engines need to appear stock on the outside but the inside is a whole nother ball game. don't get stuck thinking you need to use the components that were used back in 67. If you want a pump gas engine there are better modern cams and parts to use to hit your target with lower compression. As far as those heads I don't think the valves are any bigger it was just a smaller chambered head to raise the compression, an easy way to get more power back in the day. Don't trust my memory though do some more research, Wallace racing has a good site with lots of engine info. Have you gotten the engine running to verify it's health? if you can get it running good you might just try and get to know it first if you have never driven that configuration before. You may find it is good enough and save some money. As far as the trans. make sure it is full of fluid it doesn't take being low much to make them slip. Unless abused they are a very stout unit. Posi or safety trac. as it's called in Pontiacs is cool but in my opinion save your money because with lower horsepower auto and higher geared cars (lower numerically) it's really not needed and won't make the car any faster off the line. Don't hesitate to ask anything here there are a lot of helpful people, sometimes the board is a little slow but you will get your answer. I hear you on the engine builder, I guess there are downsides to living in paradise.