I've always been lucky enough to have 2 different local guys that do 727's on the cheap, I've raced my whole life and never spent more than $350 to drop off a stock 727 and pick it up race ready, basically just a bolt-in sprag and a decent rebuild kit. 2 of the cars ran 9's for years, never a problem. But I never did hit them with a transbrake or power adder.
Powerglides seem to be the way to go these days but I personnaly think a 3 speed is more fun and sounds better going down the track.