I have an update. I just dropped the long block off with the machine shop. I have decided what I'm going to do for the build.
It's getting a Quadrajet carb and intake manifold. I will use the stock exhaust manifolds sent to Patriot side pipes to open it from single exhaust to dual. The stock Powerpack heads will be rebuilt with larger valves, it'll get a mild cam and a stroker crank (or maybe a 327 crank) and cylinders bored .030 over.
This build will give me the stock '60s look that i am after under the hood and more power to play with.

Thanks everyone for playing this game with me to help me figure what the best set of modifications were going to be for my ideas.