Hey Slick, don't get the idea that just because your engine isn't a big V8 that it won't run. A lot of those old sixes were running in the 10's 25 years before you were born. Yes, Slick...I said the 10's....that is still darn fast.
Tune it till it hurts, do the ignition suggestion, have the manifold split, and put a Holley 2 bbl on it. You WILL be surprised. Better yet all you friends will talk it up like no tomorrow and I remember how important that was at your age. Good Luck and don't be afraid to come here often, theres a lot of great advice in here, (not necessarily mine).