The best way to get more torque and HP from your motor is to go with some aftermarket aluminum heads. The TFS Twisted Wedge, Edelbrock Performer series or the (what I would spend my money on) AFR 165s are all excellent choices. Whatever heads you get, get a cam that will get them to work for you in the operating range you will need (1000-5000 RPM). Do you plan on going EFI or staying carbeurated?
As far as autos, most people like their C4s. They can be built to handle alot of power and abuse. You can also set them up to shift a little like a manual...dont know much about that, but do some searches and if you do plan to wheel it, make sure whatever changes you do dont affect your compression braking for going downhill. Best of luck.