[berencam]

I wouldnt think about adding a carb and such till you installed a new hopped up cam. But then again i wouldnt put a new cam in a semi worn engine. But since your on a budget, heres what i suggest you should do, to achieve out of the pocket speed, for around 600 bucks.

1. new cam and lifters
The cam and lifters will run you about 200 bucks. Then you will need a handful of gaskets and tools that i assume you have.
2. Used intake and carb off ebay. Since you dont have the extra cash grab a used intake and carb. I used edlebrock last time and liked it, this time im using holley. Either one will work fine you will need about a 600 cfm carb. That should run you about 200.
3. With the remaining 200 i would get a 2000-3000 stall converter and a shift kit for the transmission. If you really want the power then i would get a used manual 3 speed over that auto, and get a used column out of a junk yard.