Perhaps one addition to previous post, double check then triple check that your distributor drive is 100% seated into your oil pump. This tiny step is super critical, and usually when a rebuild fails it is because of this.
Royal Purple is my go to break in oil, loaded with Zinc
perhaps the majority would disagree, but I think the above would be more than useful?
a boost and egt gauge would be the simplest "cat's meow" i could imagine
-Sean
correct head gaskets on engines with replacements?
I'm not saying that OP's engine overheated during his ownership, but an engine that has overheated and requires a new head gasket/deck and head resurfaced, is a ticking time bomb
De-Smog, exhaust, presuming your sticking with the 2 barrel- , carb linkage, new air filter, flywheel, etc..
F to 2F conversion = not a big deal
F to F.5 or another F = no brainer
If you care to reach out for any additional info just DM me, I’m always happy to chat, especially per past time...