my Low dollar 318 hop-up project

What kind of mufflers? I dont remember reading that, if I missed it sorry.

Also, that turquoise motor really looks good. Have you considered using factory valve covers with the plug wire seperators? That would really set it off in my opinion.
mufflers are the 2 chamber Thrush fully welded for 34.99 each. Exhaust didn't count in the cost of the build as it's assumed one already has the duals. Also, those are factory valve covers (may not be year correct), Just somewhere in the last 40+ years the plug wire separators have been lost. No doubt there is more work to do under the hood. The air cleaner for one, plug wire separators, and a few things like that.