What would you do? Slant performance

The most power to be gained from a /6 is going to come from more compression. I don't know what machine shop work goes for in you neck of the woods. Plan on a rebuild kit, milling the block and head to .090-.100 combined, a camshaft, and oversized valves. Depending on the condition of the block, it ay be necessary to bore out the cylinders. Save $s; if not needed, don't do it. There's not that much more power to be gained from boring a /6 out, IMO. For seat of the pants feel, try to find a 3.23:1 rear end. Your $2k might just cover it.

Obviously, more intake and exhaust capacity will help, but bang for the buck do the internals first. The rest is lawn furniture you can add as time and money allow. I don't recommend more than a 3.23:1 because the 225 is not a high winder. You could get better feel from a 3.55:1, but it would probably crater your fuel mileage.

Remember in being seduced by a V-8, the bell housings are different due to starter location. A new, for you at least, A/T would be needed, too. It's funny how folks say a V-8 is possible for $2K, until it is time to lay out the cash. All of a sudden there's a great divide between what someone says it can be bought for and what the going rates for the stuff is. Don't believe me? See the For Sale forums here on FABO.