Rebuilding engine- Need advice (and to vent)

I think my decision would be based on whether the entire engine needs to be freshened up in the looks department. If the block looks shabby then I would pull it,'repaint the block while tending to the upper end issues, change those manifold studs, look for the mystery leak, and also have full access to the steering box issue. I also don't relish the idea of doing all that work over the fenders, especially the steering box issue!! JMO of course, but a car that nice needs to be treated as such!! Good luck with the project, Geof