Cheapest way to make 300 crank hp from a 5.2 magnum

The heads get extremely narrow on the pushrod pinch area. I spent several hours porting a set that are on my 97 Ram 5.9. Gasket match, smooth the pinch so it is a ramp instead of step, and there was a lot of material under the valve seat.

The exhaust manifold is a ball and socket style, and even though the opening is smaller, there is a LOT of meat here. I would think the could be opened up quite a bit. While the log style of the manifold is more restrictive then headers, a gasket match, and open the collector would at least ensure that these areas are not limiting any more then needed. Consider a new timing chain, I have put two on this motor, both were loose and sloppy way too soon.