Ok, I'm putting this in this section because removing the 305 was the first step. The 305 is now out and the 355 is at the machine shop. It will be a full roller with a torqued and Edlebrock 750 on vortec heads and a 2500 stall behind it. The rear will change also, not sure what I'm going with yet.
The interior is now out getting ready to do floor pans and subframe connectors before the engine is put in.

 

Here is where we stand now. The gas tank and lines are out. Not sure how the lines were not leaking, they broke as soon as I touched them they were so rusted. Included are a couple pics of the floor in need of repair. After talking with a transmission builder I'm gonna go with locked 411s in the rear.

 

If you drive it on the street much you will not like that locker and 411s. That is strictly drag racing gear. Get a good LSD and some 342-373 gears and you will be 100% more satisfied unless you are building a strictly drag car.

 

I think I agree with you on the gear. I was contemplating a 373. I think that's what I'll go with.
Also, the newest car I've worked on was an 81 so I have some things I'm not sure about. I want to go as old school as possible, mechanical gauges and such. Can the stock trans work "unplugged"? And do I need either of these boxes?

 

Ok, I got the 355 back and started assembly. I have a simple question. When I put the head gaskets on, there are 1/8 inch holes where the coolant passages are. The passages are about the size of a nickel. Every head gasket I find have the same holes. Why don't they match the size/shape of the coolant passage?