Cheap 318 performance mods.

Carb
headers
sort the ignition curve for modern fuel

new cap new rotor new leads new plugs properly gapped

clean bulkhead connector on the ignition side at least
clean earth straps
check battery clamps
make sure you see battery voltage at the input to the ballast
this alone can create a seat of the pants noticeable improvement in performance on an old car

check oil level
get 2 filters and a do a double oil change i.e another after 500-1000 miles when hot clean out the last guys gunk.

set timing
tune carb
reset timing
tweak carb/ idle rpm
go go go....

if you can get it so it has a clean tail pipe and the guy behind's eyes are not watering when you sit at the lights 99% there

that will make it "run better" even if its just getting you back to where it was 1000 miles after it left the factory

once you have a baseline plan the next move, which is usually $$$



Dave