174/177 supercharged small block, where to start?

That would be a NOS set up.

Yes I think 2K is a fair price for a small block mopar roots type blower kit as shown above, That is unless you can find one for less.:D Apparently some of these are from at least as far back as 1988, almost 25 years old. So with that being said. It's possible even an NOS unit might need some seals replaced before being put in service. Although it is a somewhat rare unit I think the price is going to be capped by the new cost of a more efficient centrifugal unit that has less hood clearance problems. Kind of gets down to if your going to spend 2K on a 25 year old part or spend 3K on a new arguably more efficient supercharger with a warranty.

If you have a hood scoop already I like simplicity of these little B&M blowers.