Rear

Not knowing about the heads is a serious unknown considering you have a goal in mind...

The intake is a dog with the gear you have. It would probably like a dual plane. Secondly is your TQ. I myself am learning about them but what I do know is if it ain't in the ballpark it will seem like a pig. Do you have someone in your wheelhouse you can borrow a carburetor from?

You gotta start somewhere but what you need to do is verify engine condition with a compression, leakdown, and vacuum gauge. Lifetime investments IMO if you want to turn your own wrenches...

JW