I don't know what to think anymore. I don't know what a budget minded engine really is. I figure I can throw maybe 3k at the engine (bottom end) or a little more. I have the complete iron head engine that needs rebuilt, aluminum intake and 750 DP Holley to start with. I really don't want headers on the car I don't think. I plan on boring the engine .30 over. I don't want a slug car that gets whipped by everyone of my buddies cars. They all run slightly warmed 440's that seem to go pretty good. None run 12's though. That's what worries me. How possibly would the same mods to a 383 that most do to a 440 let it run with it. Just doesn't seem right. That's where I started to think about the stroker if it could be done in the price range. I don't take the car to the track. I just run it around town and go on some couple hundred mile cruises every year so it needs to be reliable.