Tig...to go 8s and not use nitrous, I'd go w/ a procharger. That's exactly what I'd be doing if I had the money. Use your current motor, just boost it. You can make STUPID power w/ a procharger on that motor of yours.
I prefer the blower over a turbo just for simplicity.
Just my

CHIP
'70 hemicuda, 575" Hemi, 727, Dana 60
'69 road runner, 440-6, 18 spline 4 speed, Dana 60
'71 Demon, 340, low gear 904, 8.75
'73 Chrysler New Yorker, 440, 727, 8.75
'90 Chevy 454SS Silverado, 476" BBC, TH400, 14 bolt
'06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Duramax