Cheap 318 performance mods.

This is the way I see it:
Distributor recurve first. Dual exhaust next, intake and 4 barrel after that. If that doesn't make you happy you can change rear gears. Remember, higher numbered ratios will make it more peppy off the line but your cruise rpm will also go up and mileage will go down. Oh, jumping one ratio is barely worth the time and money. Shorter rear tires can do that.

The next logical step might be cam combined with the proper converter to make it work. I see no need for the expense and work to install a performance converter with a stock cammed 318. The cam and converter should have headers to add to the combination. You can add headers at any time but you won't notice much performance difference with a stock cam and 2 barrel. SOmething else very important to check and think about before getting inside the engine and picking out a cam, the compression ratio. 8.5:1 with the wrong cam and you are going backwards. You'll have to rev it to the moon to make any power. You'll need the 4000 stall converter then. Your heads will also run out of flow as well.

That's why it's probably best to stop with the intake and carb unless you are committed to the whole package in the last step. All of that needs to work as a team to make a difference.