if it is a 4cylinder tranny, no.... it won't even stand a chance with a lightly modded 302 or even a stock 302 for that matter. I had one in my 84... and broke it in about 2 days.
get some gears and short throw, good exhaust, intake.... but I would think putting in a cam that wouldn't effect the SD wouldn't be worth it anyways. Try putting on some 1.7 roller rockers and see what happens, that will give you more lift.
that fixed you surging idle? my idle is going insane.... but I have replaced both my acutators. Maybe it is my underdrive pulley on my alternator not sending out enough voltage. That is wierd.
I would defiently be patient and shop around for the best deals. Because if you have the luck I do, you will find the best deals the day after you buy the part.
and I have a trickflow street intake for sale if you want it :)
I have a friend with some, he sets them at 2-4, but I would assume that every car is different. Just run it down the track or a long road a couple times.