Thanks for the replies. I am just starting to purchase engine parts and have a little while before it even goes to the machine shop, but in the meantime, I can get the panel constructed and ready to use. Good idea on the solenoid too, Naumoff. It would be a few more wires, but a little cheaper too.
Jarendall- I am not familiar with how Street Beasts are assembled, but that would seemingly be difficult to do with a Shell Valley. The dash is integral with the body, and the body would have to be pretty much mounted on the frame to run all the wires. That would be nice if I could, as I would definately drive it around in the "go cart" stage for awhile. These cars CANNOT be fun to work on with the body and hood on.
As for batteries, one should be sufficient, but I have a couple Bosch batteries on hand that could be used as a back-up. In my 76 F100, squirrels ate a bunch of wires under the hood that created an electrical problem to where the alternator would not charge the battery- in fact, it was the 390 that I am going to build for the Cobra. Luckily, I worked close to home. I would drive it to work, disconnect the battery, connect it before leaving work, and after I got home, i'd again hook up the battery charger. It was like a battery powered truck with a gasoline engine in it. LOL It would run for quite some time unless I had to use the headlights, and it had the same Duraspark disty in it too, so I am sure it would run for plenty long enough.
Thanks again for your help and suggestions. They are all appreciated!
Greg