65 Barracuda 1st time GONNA NEED ADVICE

I bought a 65 barracuda with a 273. Hole in a piston and spun rods. No thanks. Swapped in a 318 from a 79 or so LeBaron. Did just a tad bit of grinding on the heads and valves. Bought a 268 magnum muscle cam kit, edlebrock performer rpm air gap intake, 600cfm holley, re-build kit.... I think that's it. Dropped it in with points ignition. Scrapped that and went with a bastardized GM/Mopar/MSD Blaster electronic system. It has a 3 speed for now but will likely get an auto when I feel like messin with it. I welded a new spare tire well in it. I replaced the trunk seal and "fixed" a trunk hinge. It needs lots more work, but looks decent and is fun to drive (as fun as it can be with a 3 speed). I will get pics up soon.

OK first item of help. Manual steering and it is less than safe when squirrely in corners. It does not seem to be loose in the joints and i tried just tightening the steering box. I am looking at going to a quicker gear box. Proly have to stay manual as when I go to auto trans headers will be a priority then. With the zbar and 3 speed linkages...no way. So anybody got any suggestions? I have found the $300-$600 dollar boxes in some searches on here but later model swamp ins is more my style. Bolt various junk together to make 1 unique piece :)