Thanks Doug and Heo for your comments, and also thanks to Jay and all forum members for giving me the knowledge and confidence to pursue this project.
Blair warned me about keeping tires on it, but I guess that's a problem I'd like to have!
Some more details about the build: 735 cfm Cobra Jet carb from Blair's stash, Ed Performer RPM intake, BBM heads, OE non-adjustable valve train with heavy-duty shafts, Power by Ford valve covers from a '71 pickup, Comp Hyd. Roller cam, Scat crank, OE front cover, Pioneer balancer, and Milodon stock replacement oil pan and pickup. I acquired the '68 date-coded SO block a few years ago from a friend and it cleaned up at 4.240".