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The question, what can we do to improve engine performance ?
You didn't say how much improved performance you want but, let's assume you're after a drivable, street high performance engine which can run on premium pump gas and won't require a different hood.
You said you're pulling the engine so, provided your rotating assembly is in good condition, have the crankshaft and rods mag'ed. If they pass, recondition the rods. Buy a set of 9.5:1 hypereutectic pistons and install them with a premium set of rings.
Give the heads a "street port/polish" and a multi-angle valve job then install premium valves and valve seals.
Install a hydraulic roller cam from Crane along with Crane springs, pushrods and so forth.
Install a set of headers but keep the primary pipe size reasonable and the primary length long.
Go to a true dual exhaust.
Keep the Edelbrock Performer intake manifold but throw the Edelbrock carb in the scrap pile, find your original Quadrajet, have it rebuilt and properly calibrated and reinstall it. Gas mileage will improve, drivability will improve and performance will either stay the same or improve.
Install one of MSD's Corvette distributors and an MSD 6 ignition box.
If you're installing a four speed auto, use a 3.08 or a 3.36 rear axle ratio.
Good luck!
