Start with a tune and it will be a world of improvement. Then you can decide on whether you need a little or a lot more. Most tuners handle upgrades (headers, CAI, exhaust, Forced induction, etc) for a minor fee. Ask your Tuner before you hand over any cash.

Would a used Maggie work for his application? It wont have the top end of a 1900 but it will add a ton of low end torque which would be ideal for his trailer/snow plow. He could pick one up for a song and throw the savings back into his 401k which just took a dump last week...

Rick