Help with 350 motor. help greatly appreciated!!!?

First of all. Make sure the car is roadworthy. Fix your brakes and that exhaust leak, make sure it will p an inspection. In my experience of working on all sorts of trucks and cars, I always do engine and work first just in case you accidentally scratch the paint. When all is good under the car, work inside the car. New carpet, seats, stereo or whatever you would like to do, then do the outside last. Just my thoughts. Don't get in over your head and buy a whole crap load of parts. Focus on the task at hand. Another thing to think about is, you can do just as much to your transmission as you can to the engine. Sounds like you need to sign up on an online forum for cars, ask one question at a time and take your time when you're working on your car.