what should I start with?

[Rev]

I think gears are a good start. I got my 8" at Currie in Ca. Check there for a 8'' 3 rd member with an Auburn Pro limited slip. Don't get the Currie TSD or a Ford Traction-Lock. I used both of those and they are short lived when used with very much power.

My first mod woulld be a new exhaust. I use Tri-Y headers with a custom made 2 1/2" pipes. I also use 3 chamber 2 1/.2" FlowMaster mufflers. Mine is still very loud even with the 3 chamber mufflers (no cats).

If you want cheap head upgrades I have 351W heads with 1.85/1.54 valves, decked, 3 angle valve job, professionally pocket ported, and with CC 1.6 roller tip rockers included. These heads have about 20,000 miles on them. I upgraded to TFTW heads some time ago. I would sell the 351W's for $350 + shipping, but only after a complete inspection by the shop that built them originally. Complete documentation of the original costs is available.

Rev