First, you will get a lot more accurate answers if you state what you are trying to do - street car, drag race, a little of both. And with what - car, horsepower, gear ratio, etc. It is IMPOSSIBLE to answer your Q's without this info. Next, you need to decide what type of valve body (V/B) you want to use - full auto w/linkage, stock V/B w/shift kit, reverse pattern, reverse w/low band apply, etc. Why? Because all the good hard parts WILL NOT LAST with a crap V/B. Also, you don't need high $ clutches, bands, steels for a stock rebuild. So after you post what you are trying to do and what you are trying to do it with - I bet you will get some good advise on how to build your trans.