good point replace the so called freeze plugs if they are steal replacing the ones behind the trans is a real pain later
check the springs in any case- if they are way out of spec or all over the place replace them cam or no cam there are good inexpensive springs for mild cams
new viton stem seals in any case- are you doing a valve job?
I sorta agree in keeping the TBI if you are thinking of making major induction changes later unless you can score a good swap meet manifold and carb and air cleaner and...
good luck with that
Who wants to fool with a carb in North Dakota in the winter?
you can inspect the timing chain nylon gear gotta go if double roller and not to much slop you are ok
the stock cam actually works pretty good with stock gears and converter or stick and stock gears
you can go to more lift but even going to a "Sausage" 210 degree regrind suggests lower gears and an HP converter -BTW there are more modern regrinds
Stock 360 ignition pre TBI will work fine remember what I said about offshore counterfeit chrome, gold and other MP boxes
next thing is to report the condition of the motor- we can all start over from there
