I remember reading that article. The biggest turnoff for me is the lower body line. The front half of the fender still has the Buick, while the the rear half and the rest of the car still has the Chevy. But I think the Elky with the 86-7 front end is BA.
As far as the drive shaft. If you use the 8.5" rear, then you will need to shorten the driveshaft.