So i just got a new project car the other day. its a 1972 pontiac grand prix with a 455 . this is my first project car and i have no idea where to start with this thing . i dont want to turn it into some kind of show car or anything like that. but i do wanna get a resectable amount of horsepower out of the engine without sacrificing reliability , i'm on a super low budget . at the end of the line i wanna build up to somewhere around 550-600 horsepower . but like i said i wanna build up to it . it doesnt have to happen right away . i cant afford a power adder like a blower or nitrous . i wanna get it all on motor . i have no idea what i'm doing with this thing though . so if anyone has any advice concerning where and what kind of parts to be looking into then the advice would be appreciated . i cant seem to find any information concerning pontiac grand prix's or them being raced . but i'm sure they have been in the past . so PLEASE HELP ! thanks .  

A 455 Poncho motor is capable of great power without need of a blower/turbo/etc.

One thing I would defintiely recommend is a set of Edelbrock aluminum heads.

I'd start with just getting the car running and road worthy. Keep it driveable as you're working on it.