NNaaahhh, A hotrod should be manual trans and double pumper. You drive the car and own the road.

A roller 360, magnum head with PP RPM intake/ regrind stock roller cam and change springs. Summit headers.Use the 3.55 you have, with 26" dia tires. Fit your trans in there. Engine side shouldnt be more than $1200. $160 for a regrind. $150 for the intake. With the intake and roller cam swap alone the magnum heads will support high power.

375-420hp flywheel