Question: Tired 81 stock vette needs a makeover!!

[Tstorm]

I started a new thread to keep all the great answers and opinions in one spot,,,Thanks much in advance!!!
Here is the plan;
1: I live in Philly, change to classic and junk all the emissions components.
2: Pull the engine and have the lower end reworked.
Now, the fun part,,,Camshaft?,,Intake? Carb? Heads???Headers??...I can buy a 290/350 for $1950 or the turnkey kit for $2400. Two issues though, I would like to keep the same motor in the car, and I have no place to store if I buy the crate.
So I would like to stay in the $2k-$3K range and that would need to include exhaust less the new flowmasters I already have. I dont really want the rough idle but I would like to stick it to a stang or two!!!;help

 

[Rodney Gold]

If you can get a 300hp turnkey for $2400 its a good option. go carb and not FI
Add a 2400 stall and 3.55 or so rear gears and you will stick it to most things out there.