HO, I got deep into it at first too, and then finally realized the information and knowledge was above my level of expertise. So I instead went with a builder that knew what I wanted and could afford, and I trusted him to make all the build decisions for the new block.
As for the future rebuild of the original block, I'll be more involved in that process later this year once I've saved up enough cash.
'68 428 HO M3 Monster, 4-on-the-floor! Need I say more?