[MiracleMax]

I would go with a set of unported GT40-P heads (if you can find them), a nice intake that tops out in the 5500 to 6000 rpm range with a matching cam and springs. and a nice high velocity exhaust system. If your into the engine thing.

A set of gears and a bottle if you want more for less and dont want the hassle of the engine stuff.

In plan A if you get the heads bare you can pop in some good valves, get the heads set-up for springs to go with the cam and get yourself some rocker arms, maybe convert it to an adjustible valvetrain (rocker stud conversion with guide plates and a nice set of rocker arms).

GT40P stock valve sizes are pretty small which makes the valve pretty light which means you can run less spring and have a good reving engine. without running monster springs and the attendent wear problems associated with them.

Then there was that article in MM&FF about the hollow valves and behive springs with the SS roller tipped rockers.

All stuff on the cheap.

Right now for about the money you have alloted me and my bro have gathered most of the parts to build a repsectible engine. for about 500 to 700 bucks more you could build a sweet little 302 to plop in there

So if you can spare it I say maybe plan C, and this is assuming you dont go bonkers building a 10,000 rpm 800 hp N/A beast.

Edelbrock 5.0 Intake or the equivalent

GT40 or GT40P iron heads (the latter have a more efficient combustion event) set up with good valves, adjustible valvetrain with matched springs to the cam.

A hydraulic roller cam good for idle to 5500 or 6000 rpm.

A nice shortblock, nothing fancy. Stock crank, stock rods (or maybe like Eagle SIR rods) with a good set of rod bolts. and some good pistons (hypereutectic cast pistons if you want longevity and dont plan of S/Cing or using the bottle)

Small exhaust system, 1-1/2 shorties, 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 X-pipe, 2-1/2 exhuast system preferably using straight through mufflers (this will add to the cost, or just use the old stuff oyu have)

Get a new oil stock pressure/stock volume oil pump, as well as a new water pump (factory or aftermarket) bolt on the cleaned up stuff from your old engine and have some fun.

What you ed up with is a new engine that you swap out for the old for a reasonable price and like 75 or 100 extra HP over stock on tap all the time.