Sorry I didn't include your reply in my last post Johnny, no disrespect!
And yeah, I have a great sounding dual exhaust all the way back. The 340 manifolds would be great but for a similar cost I could probably get a set of cheap-o headers that would do the job.
A few years ago I installed an electronic ignition in my Slant 6 Valiant, it was around $145 complete with distributor and module. It made a huge difference in drivability. Not sure if it made more hp but it certainly made the engine feel more responsive. I guess what it does is allow what you have to work up to it's full potential. The car used to cough and wheeze going up long hills but after the ignition went in it pulled all the way up and hardly lost any rpm. It was a lot easier to start too.
I also like 340 Dart's idea of re-curving the distributor because it involves bolting a minimum of low cost parts on. In effect you're trying to get the most out of the stuff you have. I think that's the kind of process that helps you to learn your car and how to tune it.