Funny related story, had a dumbass friend (not saying your a dumbass, but he was) decided to change his oil on his own. Rather than ask for help, he poured 5 quarts down the carb after draining the old stuff. That motor needed a rebuild.
what about aluminum with maybe a black intake/exhaust manifold contrast. I know it sounds kinda goofy, but i saw a guy on moparts do it to his SB, I thought it looked really good, especially if your going with a black engine bay