Build/Restoration Opinion?

first off do what you want with it. have fun with it.

now if it was mine, i would have no problem putting a 340 4 speed in it. i wouldn't "clone" it but a 340 some headers and stuff like that to make it fun to drive. personally i think in the end you would get more money out of it with the 340 4 speed in it if thats what your worried about. keep the stock stuff if your that worried about it.