I have been a chevy guy for many years, just dabbling in fords every once in a while. Last year I picked up a really clean low mileage '83 F-150 XLT extended cab with the uber powerful 2bbl 351w (139hp, 278 ft-lbs ), C-6, and 3.55 gears. The engine has about 60K miles on it and runs perfectly, other than it is a slug. I am looking to greatly perk up the 1500-4000 rpm performance on this thing, without spending major $$$'s. It has the evil California emmissions crap on it (EEC-III), with non-adjustable ignition timing and a feedback carb, but no cat (probably removed before I bought it). The carb is a 325cfm holley 80179 (I was told it was designed to replace the evil VV carbs these things came with).
I pretty much figure the EEC-III system will have to go...I plan on replacing the ignition with a 85 series Mallory HEI setup, and I just bought a 80457 holley 600 VS carb. I was going to run a Edelbrock performer 2182 intake but am getting mixed reviews on it. Is the 2182 a worthwhile upgrade? Or even on such a mild setup would a performer rpm or Weiand Stealth be better? The design of the performer doesn't look to good to me...some of those runners make a 135* turn! Would a set of 1 1/2" full length headers be worth the effort? The stock single exhaust will be the first thing to go, but I am undecided how to run the exhaust. The truck has dual gas tanks and running duals conventionally down both sides of the truck won't work...there isn't room. Does anybody have pics of their dual exhaust setups with dual tanks?
I was also thinking of a mild cam upgrade...something like the Erson RV12H or a Comp Cams 260H. Anything else I should consider? I do not plan on removing the heads anytime soon...I can't have it down for that long right now.
I would like to hear about some of you guys/gals similar buildups, and the results.

 

With the cam, 4bbl and headers on it you won't recognize the motor, you will have literally uncorked it. I'm not gonna tell you I know a lot about the carb intakes, I have heard the basic Eddy dual plane is a close copy of the stock Ford 4bbl intake... which isn't exceptional. But then the stock heads are small for a 5.8, they won't produce more than about 300hp anyway, so don't get too carried away with the intake, carb or cam.