It's been a long time since I've researched it. I think it might bolt to a 1f bellhousing but can't remember. It's probably the same bellhousing pattern as a small block chevy. You would have to research. Lots of parts availability though. Even hopup parts: HEAD Lump Ported Intake 72cc Stage 1...
My hydroboost on stock rotors are awesome. I've had my trailer brakes on my camper behind my 80 stop working in the mountains with the hydroboost and I still had great brakes. I did blow out a old brake hose though with the high pressure. I would recommend a 1" bore Mc personally.
Sell the 700r4 and buy a 4l60e. If your really on a budget, buy a 5.3 Tahoe cheap or better yet a silverado, use the parts you need and part out the rest.
Reliability? The 100 series looses by a lot in my mind. Starter in the valley is a terrible idea. The electronic booster is a ticking time bomb. Then you have the globe hydraulic suspension system where the globes go bad and the struts leak. Vvt cam seals are a pain. The 2uz has pretty weak rods...
My advice is don't attack too large of a area of rust all at once unless you want a huge project. If your short on time doing a rocker and a quarter is a big project. Also, when you do attack area of rust make sure you get it all out. If you have rust on the quarter panel your attacking cut out...
I would say color match the door cards to the seats. My opinion anyway. Most wives love picking colors. So if you let her pick, it kind of becomes a bit of a his and hers project typically and can be more fun for her when around the 40 if she picked the colors. Also, it may sound crazy, but...