5.9L Magnum build with questions

Honestly I’d stick with your stock linkage, if it’s all there since you’re using the stock Bellhousing. I have been reading into it recently, and I’ve seen varying reports of needing to modify the LH inner fender to clear the master cylinder. Despite this I plan on installing one of those kits or similar on my car when I go to a scatter proof Bellhousing.
I was just thinking about gaining header clearance. I plan on fabricating my own stainless 1 7/8” long tube headers and not having linkage would really just open up a lot of room. I’m going to install the engine with the bellhousing and see what the situation is room wise. Then I’ll make my decision.