New to me 914 that's been sitting for 8 yrs Options

[RacingDreamz]

This is my second post here on 914World. My first was a post about "Auto Tranny" for the 914. Well, we finally got our 914 but after researching the auto tranny conversion(it can be done), it's expensive. So for the time being, we want to get this car back on the road and use as our 'flagship' car.
Now, this car has been sitting since 07. Previous owner wanted to do a V8 or Subie conversion. He broke an exhaust stud and then let the car sit in his garage since. 8 years ago. Now that we have it, we have the task of getting it going. We finally got the exhaust manifold back on. Siphoned out most of the old gas(yea, it was really rotten and smelled up the neighborhood). I put some carb cleaner(whole can) in the fresh gas(about two gallons of fuel). I charged the old battery but it was just too weak to crank engine. So I jumped it off from another vehicle. The engine turned, not fast, but turned. It would not start but it must have flooded the cylinders as that old gas smell was very strong. Then for two days, I let it sit and put a slow trickle charge on battery. Today, I got the motor to turn over a few times again and it drained the battery. I could smell the old gas again, but not as strong. I bought some new NGK plugs to put in it and plan to tomorrow. I also put some Marvel's Mystery Oil in the crank case, but the oil that was in the engine did look good. No separation or discoloration. So when I change plugs, I plan on putting a few tops of the Marvel's in each cylinder top to help lubricate it. Aside from a new battery, what else should I be doing to get this engine running again. I was told by previous owner that the car ran fine when he started the conversion and left it. So any suggestions, advice, tips or whatever will greatly be appreciated.

[Optimusglen]

The old "ran when parked" line, haha.

Is the car still fuel injected or was it converted to carbs?

It's advised to essentially replace the entire fuel system. If the tank is good, keep that but ensure the copper sock is still good. Replace everything else if possible, especially the fuel lines if they're not stainless already.

Buy a new battery, don't try to breathe life into an old one that's been long dead.

Plugs as you've said. Replace the belt. Wouldn't hurt to adjust the valves. Any and all filters.

This for me would be the bare minimum before even trying to crank it over. But personally, I'd want to dig deeper into the engine before trying to fire it up.

Once you get it running, next you'll want to go through the brake system. No use going if you can't stop.