If you are really hell-bent on a N/A build -- I would talk to/check threads by BGTV8 and 1slow370z.
As to "reliability", once you start this project, that's all kind of out the window...
If you just want to get the most out of it and want to make sure the motor is holding up, I'd do a compression test, tune up, and get a SC or turbo kit.
When and if something breaks after that, then worry about rebuilding it.
Or... make my dream come true and figure out how to get a A2W IC'd roots blower working on this car
