I have a Raleigh Record 73-76 (not quite sure yet). See here if you could help me date it.

Now that I have a general idea about it's model and date I wanted to start looking into how I am going to reassemble the bottom bracket. I was talking with a friend who said I could probably get it tapped to English standard and then be able to throw a Shimano cottorless in it.

My questions are:
1) Should I be concerned about keeping the bottom bracket Raleigh standard? Will keeping it be more headache then it is worth? The Record isn't exactly a classic so should I cut it up?
2) If yes or no to tapping what is a good axle/crank combo to buy?
3) What are some good online dealers of bottom brackets?

Let me know if there are any other considerations I should be having, because I am new to this.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

-brian