High Performance 318ci

Sounds like you friend wants just a basic hop up, 650 4bbl mild cam duals and a good tune up.
And you want a fire breathing monster, if your use to big blocks they have so much torque you can afford to throw away lots of the under 3000 rpm power especially in a light car with deep gears and high stall. A 318 ain’t like that especially in a heavy car with high way gears.

What power level are we talking about 250-300 hp 300-350hp 400 plus hp.

the stock 318 heads are good for about 300 hp, after that you either have to port or go with 340/360 heads or magnum or aftermarket.

To me Trick flows are for 500 plus hp. You could bolt them on a lesser engine.

If you want more than 300 hp
I guess I would be thinking like Eddy heads or pro comp, EQ’s, or even just plane old Magnums.
With a roller hydraulic or just a regular solid cam with .500” plus lift but 210 to 220 @ .050”.
I was thinking around 400hp would make a substantial difference vs stock and would not require much with good flowing heads. Small cam, good intake and I'm there. If I wanted to push it I'd go with tall single plane intake and solid roller cam + stroker kit. My experience with 340 showed me that it needs rpms to make it a fast car, but it would also drive great around town at low speeds. Granted, it cant be compared to my big block but it was to be expected.
We can get Edelbrock heads, but trick flows seem best value.