part of the leaking problem was the valve covers. Replaced them with Edelbrock covers I found at the swap meet for 20 bucks. also put some ford racing wires in and replaced all my plugs as well. I'll tackle the rear main seal next weekend.
I know it doesn't look as good, but the stock breather on these cars is hard to beat in terms of efficiency and not sucking up hot under hood air. Put a K&N filter in it and make sure the plastic end pieces that go to the fenders are in good shape. Put a plug over the openings on the bottom of each side where the heat risers went, and remove the vacuum tube from the flap on each side and then take the flap out completely on each side and you're good to go.