Mark, the engine cover you are talking about is different for the autos and manuals. I made my own out of .06" (I think. It was close to stock thickness) aluminum. it doesn't have to be perfect.

 

I put a 429 in my 74 highboy. I ended up using a 351m/400 bellhousing, a 390 flywheel (drilled to fit a 12" 400m long style clutch), the pilot bushing that came with the 400m clutch (OD was turned down on a lathe to fit), and a 351m/400 starter. As for the linkages, I used the existing stuff that was in my truck with some modifications. I also had to move the pivot point of the clutch fork back to fit the long style clutch (I hate diaphragm clutches), but you could probably avoid that by using a diaphragm style clutch.

Like me, you will just have to start getting it in the truck and be creative. If you need any pointers shoot me a PM, I would be glad to help you as best as I can.