66 Dart Help Needed

3 weeks ago I purchased a 66 Dart 270 Touring. Its in ok condition and I want to make it a nice street car that I can drive on weekends maybe race it 2 or 3 times a year. It would be nice to run ET's in the mid to high 11's. I have a few questions that I am hoping someone here can help with.

I have already bought an A body rear housing and I am looking for a center section rear with 4:30 gears. I plan on having a set of B body axles cut down which will allow me to have a BBP for the rear. I will be moving the springs in to create space for a much wider rear wheels and tires.
Now what do I do in the front end to get better steering ratio along with a BBP? I think I am going to have to change to a different steering box, maybe a rack/pinion. What will work and have the BBP. I think the 73 - 75 dusters can be used but will that work with a different steering / rack unit installed.

Second, is which motor to use. Currently it has a 273 but i have a 400 that is stroked available or a 360 with nothing done to it yet. Neither of these are mine but the machine shop I use has them available. I want to go with an overdrive trans and need to know what will bolt up to either choice. I have heard that the GM 7004r can bolt to the 360 but I dont think it will bolt to the 400? Does Chrysler have a good setup with over drive? Of course I am finding out that headers will be an issue no matter which way I go so any suggestions here are welcomed. I will need to add an exhaust system to drive on the street.


Of course there will be the search for interior and exterior parts. I have gotten some great advice on the trim and how to work on rebuilding many of the bad parts. Are there any venders or members that have a good inventory of Interior and exterior parts for a 66?

I look forward to any suggestions you have. I dont have a specific budget but want to do all this without overspending meaning everything doesnt have to be new. I dont have a completion date that I need to meet so time doesnt really matter.

Thanks for your help
Rodney