I may not call it restoration but.........

I am aware of the water jacket behind the stud, that is the problem, the threads and existing hole are so badly screwed up that I don't know if it can be adequately sealed no matter what I do. Buddy was over for beers last night, he's been a mechanic for 40 years, is now a service manager for an equipment rental company, he says it may be possible to seal it with a leak sealer, but I am skeptical and don't want to have to deal with any unnecessary aggravation, so I would rather wait until spring and go with the better 340 heads, patience is something I have plenty of. Another member on the site has provided me with a good deal of parts I have needed, and has a trunk pan available, just have to get it and get it welded in.