Most people choose the MAC air cleaner, it's less expensive. I highly suggest an Amsoil air filter for what ever air cleaner you settle on. Those filter out dirt much better.
The high end headers are high dollar, many people have them. A flasher for the PCM will be needed for any serious changes, to get the most HP from the combination. By now most trucks will need some trans work as well for more performance in the future.
I'm hinting that the costs beyond basic engine work will be a lot compared to the value of the truck. If the plan is to keep it regardless of costs(mine), then you can do a lot.
A basic 302 build or even a budget 347 can be done for $2000 give or take depending on how radical or how far away from stock parts you get. Because these are identical to Mustang 302's(keep the rpm below 5500), you can shop around in Mustang circles and dig up some good bargains.
I'm rebuilding my 177k miles truck, with a 347 and built trans. I'm keeping this for a long time, so most of my stuff will be new. Note that I am building this 347 and using the stock intake manifolds and throttle body, they are that good. The lower needs to be ported for real air flow above 5000rpm, as does the TB. Much of my cost will be in the heads, cam, and professional assembly. I'm planning for adding boost later, so upgraded parts raise the costs more.
Hunt around here for examples of what others have done with their 302, or a 347. If you keep the engine normally aspirated, you can get a lot of power from just pushing the compression up. Add a custom camshaft and PCM tune, that will wake up these trucks. Check out Jon's 347 Mountaineer on here, he has a few videos, short clips. Regards,
