Project Road Thrill (Engine questions)

[MonzaRacer]

Issues with LSx, expensive ignition, and conversion/swap parts are NOT cheap. At least for most people if they are trying to do something on more of a budget.
The 396 is good engine, I have similar engine my 402, I built it as a factory 70 LS3 402 for my old Monte Carlo. Anyway well built it was a torque monster for a 402.
Now I voted 454 as I have purchased a 77 454 from a Winnebago, with only 47k miles, got it for $500 complete from air cleaner to oil pan and is going in my 84 2dr Caprice. Now as for this engine I will probably install a cam,lifters and T/C set a friend gave as a pull from his crate engine, I also have thought about using the closed chamber heads from my 402 after I install larger valves. I do have a Victor Jr. Oval port I'll use most likely OR possibly my highrise cast iron Qjet intake from the 402.
Heck wasnt it Hot Rod Magazine who built a peanut port 454 engine and turned some real good numbers. Like in the 600 horse range.
Lots of people are swinging the LSx brush, YET with properly sourced parts you can have a snappy fun car AND big block appeal,, except for the ones who CAN afford to spend over a $1000 for ignition,headers and mounts,,,not including other adapters and swap items needed.
Heck a 454 with a set of headers and some minor tweaking and a mild cam could easily push well over 300 hp for a fun driver, just remember its a small valve engine most likely so picking the cam will require some help from the cam companies.
Now me I am thinking of using some ebay twin turbo headers and small turbos to up my cars power with low boost,,,,heck even at 5 lbs of boost Ican look for at or near 700 hp.
Neat thing is small frame turbos liek I intend to use on my Monza will also work on my Caprice! so if I can get them 5 or 6 at a time.