Moderninzing an 82 C10 - Tips/Recommendations

[sk8rgui]

I've had my grandfather's 82 C10 shortbed (350) for about a decade now. I've slowly done a bit of work to it: replaced headliner, replaced carpets, fixed old worn out door panels and replaced the Quadrajet with an Edlebrock 1406 Carb (just easier for me to tune).

I'm looking to start really putting some money in it to fix it up and make it more convenient to drive. Not necessarily a daily driver, but more than the 6-800 miles a year I'm currently putting on it. My main goals are to make it a bit more comfortable to drive, improve gas mileage, improve noise in the cab. I'd like to eventually go on longer trips with a small light weight camper (popup/teardrop). Say 1000 miles or so (Missouri to Colorado).

Below is my list of ideas to do on it. Any thoughts/recommendations on what else would make this thing better to drive would be great. Any recommendations on any parts for list below would be great.

• switch from turbo 350 to 700 R4 transmission with lockup
• serpentine conversion kit - looking at the Holley Complete Mid Mount as an option
• switch to aluminum radiator and electric fans
• LED or Projector headlights
• LED Taillights
• Swap the cluster or do the tach conversion kit
• Swap the intake to a Edelbrock Performer (need to research how this affects mpg).
• Fix the factory AC, Compressor died a year or two back
• Rebuild the suspension, not sure with what yet. Something to make it feel less like driving a log truck (sway bar kit, upgrade control arms, new shocks, etc?)
• add sound deadening to the insides. It's loud at 70mph on the highway (4 speed transmission will help this some).
• potentially add cats and a muffler to help with noise (currently straight pipes to glass packs).

I've thought about the EFI system from Edlebrock... but everything I read about EFI seems like a bit of a pain to get working properly. I also kinda like the tuneability of a carburetor. Ideally, I'd like to get from 11-12 mpg to closer to 20mpg... that may be a bit hard to do though.

I don't know my gearing in any of my current setup. My grandfather swapped the 305 4 speed to a 350 3 speed years ago. He's been gone since 2003. He did tow a big camper with it though.

Thanks in advanced