wow joe. That's a great post. Seems to have all the info in one place.
to the OP one thing to keep in mid is that if you go with a modern trans there are speed sensors in the wheels that will be needed. And they will require a tone ring to operate correctly. I do not know the details but, it's something you need to know and consider. A factory pcm with trans function disabled seems to be the easiesy and cheapest way to go. That or carb, if you don't have the electronics.