I'm sure there are plenty of good engine shops in the NorCal area, not sure about SF itself but you'll be able to find someone in the region.

I agree with the 4.25 crank route. Put a 4.25 crank in it, use pistons that give you 9.5 compression with the heads you pick and go with a modest camshaft that matches how you are going to drive the car. I'd use Trick Flow 240 heads on an engine like that but Edelbrocks or Stealth heads can also be made to work. Keep the header size on the small size and use a Holly Sniper with a Hyperspark distributor setup. You should be able to make 500+ hp and 500+ torque and have a smooth idle, no bucking at low speed and gobs of power for passing or on ramp blasts. You won't need a ton of gear out back either, 3.55 gears will probably be enough with the long stroke.