Need help perfecting the budget build hemi swap

So it only made sense to tear down the trans while it was out, and it turned out it was in great shape. I got new gaskets, and seals, and replaced the bearings, and bushing just as preventive measure. I couldn't believe the tiny bolts that held the trans cross member in. In 1969 they were huge, by 75 the were smaller than 3/8", and the looked eaten up a bit. Replaced them with grade 8. It took 5 minutes to bolt the trans up, super easy. But before that there was a half hour of putting it on the jack, and it sliding back off. Thank god the converter stayed. The old TTI headers had a few holes where the pipes meet the collectors, about in 3/8 size. A few people suggested using a epoxy on them, but I found it easier to just mig them up, and use a pipe to knock off the wire inside. The 1" T bars rubbed the drivers side header, so I had to hammer on the new heat paint a bit. Counter production. I painted them with Eastwood high heat black satin, hope it works. also the brake proportioning valve needed to be moved, cause the header sat on it. The starter plopped right in, " surprise!" My home made strut rods were a debacle. I cross threaded one, and ended up shaving a 1/8" inch off that end. Eventually paranoia, and dissatisfaction won out. So I ordered new sleeves from AFCO, ( $12.00 ) and everything is good now. The interior bench seat doesn't satisfy the eyes, but it's oh so good on the ***.