release mounts and jack it up as high as it will go then snake the new gasket in. helps alot having a lift.
you asking about the rack? yes remove the two and it will pull forward (disconnect steering shaft)
back in the day i would have went straight to a blower had i had the funds. lot of good used deals also.
problem with the sc trim is its missing alot of pieces when you want to up the boost like bypass and 8 rib, etc....
347 with any aluminum head, trickflow stage II cam, aftermarket intake of your choice and automatic trans with 3500+ stall.
you'll need to change your rear gears.
with x heads, aod and stall with sc trim i did 11.3 with a 302