As of right now, all I have is the Holley/Webber 5200 carb (a cheap swap if you havent already done something with a carb), which really gives it a kick with the duel outlet header and duel exhaust. I also have a mild cam that a preivous owner had intsalled. I have a few other parts still in the box I havent installed. Instead of the aussie head, you might want to see about getting one for the 80s they had the largest intake valve size of all the years (exhaust stayed the same), mill the head though get it down for about a 9.2 cr (just a number I like, I think stock was in the low 8's
). You could go higher on the cr, but watch the grades. This is what I plan on doing.
I *think* the 4cyl version will be good enough for what I have planned, so thats the one I want to use. I figure, the tranny swap would run between $700-$1000 given transmission, adaptor, crossmember, clutch cable, installing it (even if done yourself)
Oh btw, when I said that the gear ratio for the 4cyl version was better for the six, the reason is that the 1st gear is higher which mulitiplies your torque a little higher, which helps the take off.
Btw, do you have a Ford Six Falcon Handbook (something like that)? They discuss a swap in there for a 4spd SROD. basically its like a 3.03 3spd (like currently in my 67) with an overdrive tacked on. It might be worth looking in to, not as good as a T5, but I would think it would be cheaper (not much demand, not as much adapting) but harder to find.
Good luck and I hope you're dad remembers how wise he was.