I just reread your post and noticed you asked for any other performance suggestions; here goes:
First, you need a budget because you can go fast but typically need money.
A simple power adder is nitrous but it comes with dangers. If you don't have forged pistons, you WILL melt your pistons.
Another popular and quick power adder is a supercharger. This is pricey but will give you 40% power gains. Look up Paxton. An alternative to supercharging is turbocharging.
To start with, you need a good base. First, determine if you are going to super charge or turbocharge your motor. THis will determine your engine build. Start with a strong bottom end. You may want to check into SCAT for an aftermarket crankshaft. Resizing and shotpeening the rods are a minimum must. If you can afford it, get some good Eagle H-Beam rods. Use ARP fasteners, period. Also, get yourself a windage tray. If you are going to use nitrous, forged pistons are the only way to go. If not, you can get by with Hypeurtectics, they are strong and light. If your budget allows, get some good aluminum heads like AFR. There are plenty afailable for your motor. If not, look into World products iron heads; stock heads need too much work to get to the flow numbers of the aftermarkets. Have your heads port matched. Select a cam that is compatible with your heads and application. If you run aluminum heads, you can go as high as 10.5 compression, if not, don;t go higher than 9.5. If you are going to super charge or turbo the motor, you'll want 8.0-9.0 tops. Choose your intake to be compatible with the cam and heades too. Headers and 2.5" exhaust should finish it off. If you want to get really picky, lose the mechanical fuel pump and use an electric one.
good Luck! | 
