To scream or to grunt, that is the question.

[Damn True]

Another good option is what David Pozzi did for Mary's car, a GMPP 383/425 crate motor. The engine should come in under $5k, add in a new intake and carb, and you are done. Plus, it's brand new, comes with a warranty, and runs quite well. It will even accept a Magnuson Products supercharger with no needed modifications.

This is actually starting to look like the way I may go. Solid platform to start from, and really easy to upgrade as time goes on.

Have you seen the ZZ383-500 that Sallee Chevrolet in Oregon is marketing. Zoiks, looks nice.

[Shonuff_Chevy]

Try this get a 400 block bore .030/6" rods/all forge/AFR heads your choice for application/Doug Herbert solid street roller/victor jr./1 3/4 header/ all roller(solid).
You can get 450-550hp on pump gas with that combo with the right heads and cam easy without wrecking the budget.
You just might sleep in the car.

[GMachineDartGT]

I'm down with the big inch motor. Less headaches, and still sounds great. It is still going to run into $ though, don't fool yourself. I have a buddy who's a machinist for world, and I still spent 8K, getting deals on everything, breaks on machine work, and a free block. I shopped everything, and having been in the business have many contacts as well. Well worth it in the end though.