Welcome to FBBO from NorCal Sierras
Performance 101;
*pretty standard stuff
*nice set of headers, 1-5/8" long tube that fit well, like TTI
a nice free flowing exhaust, can get TTI there too, not cheap but fit well
don't go to big 2-1/4" is plenty (2-1/2" max)
*a good quality aluminum 4 bbl dual plane, like an Edelbrock RPM Air Gap,
hands down the best manifold for all around power & drivability
*a nice 4 bbl carb or EFI, 550-600cfm maybe 650cfm at most
an older Carter AFB or a newer Holley/Street Demon 3 bbl are nice too
I'm not a fan of the Edelbrock/Webber style cheap Carter knock offs...
*a nice free flowing air cleaner, gauze type, like K&N lifetime/cleanable
*a nice cam, not too big, hydraulic flat tappet,
don't get cheap when buying lifters
make sure to use break-in oil & do proper break in procedures
it'd still keep a lot of vacuum,
like neighborhood 0.484"gross valve lift/284* 'advertised' duration (perk it up),
nice chop at idle,
many different brands Direct Connection or Racer Brown, are MoPar specific
it's a good choice, not any big mods to make it work, still can use the stock valvetrain
if it's still in good serviceable shape
**Optional;
New valve springs to match the camshaft,
& do a multi angle performance valve job on the stock head, add some good valve seals
(if not buy **aluminum heads, Edelbrock Performer, it's a bargain, if you worried about
unleaded fuel & they have better ports, for more power & the costs to compared to
having a bunch of machine work done, to old org. cast iron, makes good sense)
**nice cast valve-covers or dress up
*maybe a lil' loser converter, like 2500rpm stall, B&M Holeshot, or BossHogg
not break the bank & get a lil' more performance, with an auto-trans will perk it up
with lil' to no creep with the car in gear at stoplights
*maybe (not sure your gear now)
but like a 3.23:1 to about 3.55:1 8-3/4" rear, with sure-grip,
still extremely street-able & really responsive off the start,
*upgrade the brakes front at a min to good discs, if it doesn't have them already
*go to a 15" wider wheels (15x7") add some nice bling
& wider tires, 245/60/15 frt 275/60/15 rears, radials of course
& way better driving or handling, than the skinnies it came with
*get some good shocks, bigger diam. gas/nitrogen pref.,
Bilstein's are pretty good for the $$
*upgrade the sway bars (not too big or too stiff) & new bushings,
put a smaller diameter one on the back
it will make the driving experience for any performance, much better
Happy MoParing
