Hi Donny,
Thanks for the response and insight. Actually, I should have said "...even though I built my car for ME, it was built close to OEM specs." And this is because I do like stock and original. There are a few items I went non-stock (2½" manifolds and exhaust, 1970 disc brakes, radial tires, etc) but I think I am going to install the correct OE parts.
My car was judged at a VCCA event in Tustin, CA last October and scored 965 and earned a 1st Junior Award. I do want to start correcting the issues I got dinged on, but I'm doing it because I want to make those changes.
BTW, My other 67 Impala SS is a South Gate-built car that was delivered in CA with the original 396 and AIR. It WILL be restored with the smog equipment in-tact.
I'm hoping to meet you one day ;-)