A stock 351W is not a weak engine. It can handle several hundred horse power, and frequently does. That being said, mid 80's engines were not rated with much hp from the factory. A tune-up with quality parts (plugs, wires, cap and rotor, ignition coil, timing set properly, carb adjusted with a vacuum gauge and not by ear, fuel filter, air filter and O2 sensor).

Now, you can ensure the brakes are in good working order. Check and repack front wheel bearings, rotor & pad thickness good, rubber brake hoses having no signs of leaking or corrosion and no dry rot
Next up, rear brake shoes and drums in good condition, no wheel cylinder leaks, parking brake adjusted and not dragging. A dragging brake will wreak havoc on fuel mileage and performance.

Flush out all fluids; brake, coolant, transmission (with new filter), differential and engine oil. It's time to move on to improving hp and mileage. Don't forget a performance valve body or shift improver kit. A non clogged cat with headers and cat back with a free flowing set of mufflers. Install a used 4 brl intake, with a 4 brl carb. You can use the factory dizzy or a new HEI dizzy. A vac source may or may not be needed, depending on the one you choose.

Next up, is a better charging system and electric fan.

 

OK,to rule out some of that.it has new wires,plugs,air filter,new brakes and bearings all the way around.its also a 4 speed manual.timing was set with a light.cats are long gone.lol.all that needs to be done is set the carb with a vacuum gauge.there is no o2 sensor either

 

Any body have any advice on which intake and carb to get???? I'm going to summit Friday and buying everything at once!!! Headers,carb and intake.....which headers do I need to get for a 4x4?

 

Settled with a wiened stealth and a volley 600... Runs fantastic and pulls a lot harder.