FWIW I think you & your dad both need to read this... BTW the title is Racing Secrets but it covers quench pretty well & that has just as much to do with a street engine...

http://racingsecrets.com/article_racing-10.html

And this is a good read too..

http://www.arengineering.com/articles/articleframe.html

I'm not suggesting you build any particular way, just telling you think about it & learn from others who have made the mistakes, it may cost more but you'll be happy with the build & won't find yourself wanting to do everything over to correct the mistakes you were warned about..
The thing is your listening to your dad (as you should) but he like many of us that played with these old cars wants to build what we built back in the 70's.. Well the fuel isn't as good, & theres been alot of advances in making more power without needing race fuel or some additive...

And my final link... http://www.440source.com/