As for the flexplate, if you have an automatic behind it now, the current flexplate should be fine. If starting from scratch, any '70's or early '80's flexplate from an L6 or internally balanced 2 piece rear mainseal V8 (not 400 or 454) will work, but you need to know if you want 153 or 168 teeth. Note that the starter bolts up differently between the two.