Edelbrock / RHS heads, or go BIG block and put it to bed!

.....Just understand that it's low for what you have for parts. What I think might be the case, is the lower end is not blueprinted and the static compression is lower, and/or the heads have problems, and/or the cam or installtion has problems, and/or the tuning is off. But, I would anticipate if the engine had ported heads (assuming mild and average quality) and a 280/.480 hydraulic cam, with 9.5:1 and the parts you mention, that you would have closer to 375-390hp and be running closer to 107 in the 1/4. Which is high 12s and what I would expect to see a 360 A body running.

....

Could working on the chassis, converter, and engine tuning possibly get him in the 12's? Is the Edelbrock carb ok or costing HP?

Like would knowing his 60' times help to know if he is hooking up?? I don't think he's listed those times.