THere are no tricks being done here. It is so mundane that it probably is from about 1985. It is even getting fenderwell headers.
I do have a decent convertor and I should be getting a RMVB in the mail today I picked up etc. That and 3.73's.
My other a body was stock other than the SD intake and a RR cam and with 3.55's it was fun. This car should weigh 3-400 less with more gear, exhaust etc.
Still gathering pieces. Have an MSD question I will ask in general tech.
that engine may not need a bunch of gear or converter. I use a stock 10 3/4" converter with a 3.23 gear with an engine with more cam than your using in a car that may be 500lbs heavier; without any issues. I think the tune-up is key.
