Merv,
You can increase the output of a 302 without a bunch of new fancy parts.
You can rework the engine you have, new set of pistons and rings give the bores a machine and hone. Clean up the heads to make them flow better.
Then I would increase the comp ratio slightly and with a slightly higher lift cam would see a good gain in performance.
The important thing is to seek advice form good engine builders, this is worth paying a premium for parts and machine work. Get the spec wrong and you have a dog....... get it right and you get a screamer.
If you are not putting it on the track or drag racing this would still be enough to scare you, but then you will have the sound of angles singing that only a 302 windsor produces..... That is for you Les.
Phil