hey, i bought a a-14 engine to put in my datto ute.
before i put it in, what can i do to it without spending great amounts of cash to inprove the performance??
bolt ons, etc etc

either find a twin SU setup or a single sidedraft weber and bolt that on.
decent set of extractors and 2" system.
elec ignition dizzy

Thats it for easy cheap stuff I can remember.
Then again I've spent way too much on my engine I can't remember what was cheap and what wasn't.

Oh yeah and take all the unnecessary junk out of the car....power to weight means everything.

Regarding the engine, a downdraft Weber is probably the most improvement per dollar. It'll let the A14 make more power over 5,000 rpm. It's cheaper than a sidedraft since you don't need new manifold and you can get the licensed Holley version instead of the Weber version. For more info see 1200 Weber 32/36 page.

I think even better use of money is to lower your 1200 and put wider tires on the back (185/70 or 205/60).

If you drive at highway speeds, the most important change might be to put a 5-speed in. Definitely do this if your A14 comes with it.