Yup , the oil filter is a must , even if only thr bypass one and change that oil & filter every 3,000 miles when hot , no BS ! .
I'd recommend a 261 cam , it goes right in and will help the stock engine breathe easier , more power & torque the result , always _new_ cam never _ever_ a re-ground one and new lifters too
Have the rods balanced along with the crank and flywheel , they're not well done when new , this will add a smoothness to the engine that must be experienced to be believed .
Magnetic oil drain plug of course ! .
Split manifolds _do_ help , not an illusion , I have a single Rochester B carby and a split exhaust manifold , it cracked so I replaced it with a single , I can feel the loss in power when I'm towing or hauling scrap , full loads .
I have an Offy dual intake manifold I'm going to put on one of these days as it helps power and fuel economy too if you keep your foot out of it , once set , the carbys _don't_ need fiddling nor adjusting . that's an Urban Myth perpetuated by folks who don't work on multi carby set ups .
Have fun , don't fall into the 350 trap ! .
