You won't get near zero deck with stock pistons. Stock rebuild with an approximately .500 lift hydraulic cam, your headers, decent ignition, and a swap meet intake and carb should easily get you past your target. If you already have a decent Holley or thermoquad then just buy a used Holley SD intake. With your converter and gear it will work great and still fit under your hood.

People are going to tell you how to build an engine that you can't afford. Remember, you don't need to build a 500hp engine if your target is 400hp.