Thanks for your input bluegtp91, that seems to be the concensus, start by changing the plugs/wires. I was fortunate enough to have a neighbours friend stop by tonight, he's been a GM mechanic for 30+ years, he advised me to go with OEM (AC Delco) wires and plugs. He instructed me to remove the 4 forward dogbone bolts and then the two lateral mounting bolts on the block, replacing them after the dogbones are removed, then attach ratchet straps and pull the engine forward, he didn't say how far though? He said the lower engine mounts will stretch or even split if they're old? I'm a little concerned...