So toolmanmike, then is it safe to say to use the original cast irons, take them to a machine to rebuild, then I can get an after market intake and carb that will match up/fit?
Yes, as long as the intake is made for a 273/318 just because of the port size. A 340/360 manifold will fit but there is a mismatch in the port size that doesn't do you any favors.
