Composing a Modest Wish List for a new 454 Project

I recently bought a 1962 Chevy C10 that already has a 454 installed.
I am not sure what age the engine is and other that a new intake manifiold and old carb there appears to be very few mods made. The carb must need to be rejetted because it is sputing and popping!:HMMM:

I am by no way a mechanic - I know just enough to get myself into trouble! :LOL:

My question is this - I am starting my wish list of components needed to wake up the old engine without going into the poor house. So what would you guys suggest as a decent carb / intake combo for this engine. I am also looking for headers but there is not much space to long tubes.

I am not ready to start pulling major parts just yet and I hope to buy most my parts of Craigslist or Ebay - so this will be a very cheap mod.

Any suggestions?:confused:

To know what engine you're working with, could you get the numbers off the block and heads... It's difficult for folks to suggest changes without knowing what the current parts on the engine are. Seeing as how the engine was swapped into the truck before you got it, who knows what the heads and block actually are?????

or the cam or the bottom end. Need info or cheap mods could make it worse.