I have a 1981 Japan Strat that I bought new, this has been is my favorite for a quarter of a century,. I've refretted it with Jumbo's and put in Duncan 18 volt active pups when they came out in 83'. Completely rewired so bridge and neck can be on at the same time or all 3 pups are on with push pull volume control.
http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/stratlovers.php
The mid pup tone contol is set up to work with the bridge pup also.
http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/simplebtone.php
This sucker can Twang or Shred with a few simple adjustments. It was my stage guitar for 20+ years.

I also have a One Off Custom Shop with Abby Y. Masterwound Pups, it's nice but it's not a rocker. For sweet and clean tones it's my Strat of choice though.

The stratlovers wiring diagram is pretty easy to do, it's tougher with the active pups though.

there are so many varibles that can affect the tone. The bridge, the size of the neck, pickups can sometime make the least ammount of differerence. Check out Don Mears pickups. He has actually in my opinion found the secret to the vintage pickups. Fralins are great to. I wont use any finish, just tounge oil, it looks great. Personally you can find lots of great parts on ebay.

2007 American Vintage 1954 Thin Skin LE. Ash body is it for me and that big chunky neck. My Eric Johnson Strat is a close second.