If I had it to do over again I would have done the rear end first. I saw a test once where a stock 318 2bbl dart with 4.56 gearing ran 14.88. You will need the rear end upgrade if you plan on doing anything more then just crusing.
Hmmmm.... I have a lovely aluminum center section with a 4.10 gear in it. That'd prolly work, huh? Might actually be under geared with that ratio. That's the gear that will ultimately be going in to the car too. I need to complete the rest of the rear end before it goes in though - axles, offset spring hangers and brakes. Cal Tracs are planned for as well. I often think about completing chassis stuff before the engine, good call furz4.
Funny to think about - a Dart with a stock 318 2bbl running Cal Tracs. Sounds like some bizarre stock eliminator car.