[Cuttin up]

I feel ya on the remodeling stuff. Just when I think I'm done the wife finds something else.

Your plan of attack is what I've always done. Look it over, clean it, check for play, re gasket, and go. Depends on how much sludge is in the bottom end, I'd just hit it with brake clean. Just make sure you get all of the oil passages clean. As for a starter, I've not had luck with the mini starters (too much compression, it would push it away from the flex plate) and have always had to go back to the big ol chevy starter. HEI is the way to go, just one wire to hook up and good to go.