frdnut

I agree on a 4 speed or 5 speed swap...You will have to find some used parts obviously with a $500 dollar budget but it should be doable..I've seen lots of used T-5s for $300 or so..Use the T-5 bellhousing and convert it over to use your stock linkage..Once you convert it to a T-5 you can swap out your rear gears for even better acceleration when you do your next upgrade..

Couper

Used carb n manifold cut exhaust short n add low restrictn muffler

topher_csr

1" sway bar for sure, 4brl carb and intake for sure, $500 should go pretty far with these cars. i have 4 wheel power drums, and if they are adjusted right they stop just fine.

A T5 would be awsome, but i think it may be hard to get that done under $500