New Intake Manifold Questions...

[75BeauJames]

Have mercy on me, I've driven nothing but imports the past 15 years and never got in to doing work myself until now...

I have a 75 GMC Sierra Classic (Beau James edition) that I'm bringing back to life. Since here in TX we don't have to pass emissions after 25 years, I'm planning on ordering an Edelbrock 2701 Preformer EPS intake to slap on it and go with the Edelbrock 1406 I've already put on. I'd like to strip all the emissions stuff off so that I can learn about the engine at it's core and not with all the add-ons.

So, when I buy the manifold, what all will I need to get? I know I'll need gaskets, a new water neck, and a new thermostat. Is there anything else I need to get?

I was looking at the smog pump today at lunch, and there is one metel pipe running down to the engine's underside, and looks like it plugs in right before the oil pan. I assume I'm going to need to block this off once removed. Does anyone know what I'll need to block it off?

Are there any other emissions related items I need to also think about? The EGR has already been disconnected and plugged (until the non-egr manifold comes in), and I know about the smog pump, the charcoal canister (which I plan to keep), are there any other items that could be removed for simplicities sake?

Any advise would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Scott