The Ford Barn - '56 Fairlane Club Sedan

Hello all! My name is Eric and this is my first post in this forum. I have did a lot of good reading here tho so I guess I lurk around mostly.
My ?'s revolve around a 1956 Fairlane 2dr that my father & I want to revive & mildly restore. My grandfather bought it new, my dad drove it in high school, & my older sister may well have been conceived in the thing. It is a 4v 292 with a 3spd man. on the column. It's black on black and all the chrome is there.
The only mods are some glasspacks, Mickey Thompson wheels(not sure if alum or mag), some deep purple shag carpet, a cb, and an 8-track, all straight from the early 70s;). I do remember the last time I heard it run, which was 84 or 85. I was 5. Only reason it got parked was the brakes were locked up. But I digress.
I would like to hear opinions on keeping the Y-block vs. an FE swap. Transmission swap options (I want to keep it manual). Are 4 wheel disc brake swaps easily done? Would a console from a newer model Fairlane swap into the 56 if I were to convert to floor shift? If that scenario played out, which sets would fit best? If I keep the 292, what options do I have as far as speed parts, oiling solutions, headers, ignition? What options do i have as far as suspension is concerned? I understand Mummert makes some parts, but are somewhat pricey.
I just want to learn as much as I can from folks that have dealt with these cars before. Most of my automotive knowledge lies in the realm of Subaru, but I'm very familiar with domestic trappings as well;)
Sorry for the short story introduction. Thanks to you all!