Looks like a really great project base. Nice. Body looks mint. That goes such a long way. Did you buy it off the guy who had it painted? Can you get the paint code? Maybe you can get another hood & have it painted to match.
Some info for you:
http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro79.php
An LM1 is just a stock 350 that was available in the Camaro. Nothing special or Corvette about it, although the engine might have been a Corvette option as well. Besides if it is rebuilt it's probably top a different spec anyway.
I have no idea what a shift kit is in a ST10 4 speed. A non-Z also probably got a Saginaw but a ST10 is a common bolt on. You should crawl under and ID the sideplate. This is the later Camaro ST10 shifter pattern. Are you saying 3/4 is backwards?
Get that heater box area sealed up!
American Graffitti makes an AC delete box if that was an AC car.
What is a gas shock combo - gas shocks were OE on these (and most every) cars? Do you mean air shocks? If so I agree, they suck.
Anyway, that looks like one sweet project, congrats!