'70 Dart 392 Project; what direction?

Couple of hiccups recently, July was a rough month for auto repairs! Had the pull the 68RFE from my cummins and send back to Revmax after only 10K miles for either a failed converter or trans pump.... Wife's F150 developed a bad timing chain slap/knock.... and this engines cam dowell pin sheared off...

While rotating crank by hand with rocker shafts installed, I noticed A hard rotational spot, I didn't force it but backed off and investigated. Long story short turns out that my cam dowel pin had sheared off. Looks like it was seated properly, and it was torqued but either it didn't fit the new cam phaser slot very good to begin with or the cam pin wasn't seated in the cam all the way. Returned the camshaft to MMX and they sent me a replacement (kudos to them, no questions asked replacement).

Once I received the cam back I reinstalled. FYI for those of you that don't know, once you have #1 cylinder at TDC and align the cam gear and crank gear up with the timing chain marks, they will NOT line back up after initial install and rotation. This threw me off for a minute until I did some research into it. Learn something new every day!

Next I noticed that I have a stuck exhaust valve. I must've not have been as gentle as I thought on that tight spot.... OR it was already bent and it is what caused the cam pin to fail.... either way it's unknown the cause but it needs replaced. Going back to shop on monday to have it replaced and then I'll be able to finish the top end install.

I ordered my Holley oil pan back in early June with an estimated ship date of late July. Now they're saying it'll be mid november.... Looking at a Milodon now but once you factor in the new windage tray, gaskets, pickup, and pan I'm well over $500. Think I'll just end up waiting for the holley unless something has another source?

Next debate is what I want to do with my 833 transmission setup. I've got flywheel and pilot bearing part numbers ready to order from Brewers performance.... I just need a clutch kit I believe.
Current question is do I stick with the factory pedals/Z bar setup or do I go with a hydraulic TO bearing and kit? Will my factory 1970 stuff still work with the Gen 3?

If anyone has a clutch recommendation I'm all ears as well. Thanks in advance

Mike