Hey all...

So I've been in a thinking and planning mindset for the past couple weeks trying to decide what updates/upgrades/improvements I can do (or have done) to my '68 122 with a budget of about $6000USD. Considering my limited toolset and limited expertise at handling the "big" things (engine rebuild, dropping in a new engine, transmission work, etc), the "big" things will have to be handled by a mechanic...which the labor in of itself would put a big dent in the budget, I know.

My goal in all of this is some preventative maintenance to increase my confidence (perceived reliability, perhaps?) of using the car on more of a regular basis, maybe with the added bonus of a little more umph in performance. I have no intentions of making her a show car, though her interior and exterior are in great shape...my focus is more on the engine and drivetrain.

I realize that it's hard for one to suggest much of anything without knowing the car's condition, but this is also where I am soliciting some ideas on things to be on the look out for and address some of the car's mechanically weaker areas, as well.

As it stands, my 122 with its B18 just turned 117K miles, burns a little oil when first firing her up or when engine braking on steeper inclines, but otherwise runs and smoothly. My only real concern for the engine is its bent oil pan that has a slow drip leak. Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and steering components were renewed in the last month so I we're okay in the suspension department. M41 transmission shifts cleanly, but like the engine, has a slow drip leak. Rear end does not leak but I do hear a whir coming from under the car somewhere. Not sure if it's the transmission or the rear end or something in between. Brakes will be renewed in the next couple weeks (outside of the scope of the $6000 budget I am allocating).

Should I go ahead put the budget toward fixing these leaks and funny sounds, basically keeping things stock? Or should I look at doing engine and tranny swap to something a little more robust, thus, getting an umph in performance, as well? Hell...would such a modification be within the budget I'm allocating? Figuring out the answers to these questions will help me decide what things I want to time and money into such as alternator conversion and electronic ignition.

So here goes...what would you do in my situation?

Thanks!

- Dan