Yes, the point of the episode wasn't to make them 'fair' but to show the difference in the 2 paths.

If you think you're going to end up ahead with a 'simple' and 'cheap' early hemi with a carb and msd6 - you're wrong.

Better to read, learn, and dive into the later model engines with efi.

Or just stick with an LA or BBM honestly. I don't see any reason at all to do the gen III carb thing personally.