[Kirt Adams]

From what I see on this forum most of the folks here are into restos, customs, street machines,and drag racing. This is all very interesting but, during a group ride with my motorcycle club we happened upon a Solo II SCCA Hillclimb and I'm now obsessed. I want to turn my 79 T/A into one of these racers while keeping it barely street legal.
I have the rulebook, but they don't give any ideas for improving handling, acceleration, etc.
I have 3 engine options to go with from a 350 chevy motor to a 403 olds, or a 455 Pontiac. The olds doesn't impress me and I'm afraid the 455 may be too heavy. Can anyone help point me to a place where I can get the info I need to make these decisions.
I also need Serious performance suspension equipment.
All other parameters fall within the rules so I have guidelines for them.
Are there any fiberglass body parts available?
One more thing, does anyone have any experience they could share on the subject of stuffing a 455 engine into an 86 GMC 4x4 with a toploader trans? I figure if I don't use it in the Bird I might as well win a few 4x4 pulling competitions with it.
I know this is asking quite a bit and I thank you for your time.
Kirt Adams