[vettestr]

S_Beaudry,
Check with your local GM dealer on SB replacements. The generic 350 replacement carb'd engine is the best buy. It is also the lowest HP but a few goodies bring her right back to your desires. I am a shop so I get discounts but on the sale items you can purchase at the same price as no discounts on sale items apply. I can get a long block for $990!!! True the HP engines are more but with the price of aftermarket parts you have a bunch to play with. Just installed a 383 storker - fastburn heads and all but cost was 4K for 430 HP model. Came with 3 or 36 warr on the HP engine as an added benifit.
The warr says no modifications accepted but the counter guy could care less about details and just paperwork to him. I had an owner that wanted his HP parts so think he returned with stock parts. Engine failure was nis fault anyway as he cooked it from coolant leak.