That's a nice presentation of "the bar" thank you.
Ok, so it just might be salvageable.
I'm thinking the crappy acceleration has more to do with missing accessories and a sock cam than all else.
It presents the possibilities of old stuff I've already done, and new stuff I've not done before.

Man, the potential to chase $PEED is here.

Never done a 454. I've heard that when you carry a sledgehammer everything looks like a nail.

Never done a proper do-it-yourself headers. The 73 charger really doesn't count, it was more of a hi flow "log" style exhaust.

Haven't done HEI. Driven them, they seem very civilized


Haven't tinkered yet, but I did pick up some antifreeze today.

Keep ya posted.