Bracket engine, what would you build and why?

I know absolutely nothing about alcohol. How bad is the learning curve? Cost to convert? Just bought a new pro systems carb. year before last, is it worth having it converted?
I really like the low deck stroker idea, stronger block lighter rotating assembly should live a long life. I know people spin them above 6,500, but I won't have to. Going from a iron headed 440 to a aluminum headed 400 stroker will take some weight out. A good set of aluminum heads with the correct cam, will make more power. Anyone want to guess at et reduction, say with a 451?
In a B block is the longer stroke required to get near 500 cubes harder on the block? Anyone running a big cube B block care to share some info? Number of passes, passes between freshens and what it needed to be freshened?
My local track switched to Ihra this year and there going to have some index races that I am interested in. I haven't talked to the track or looked at a Ihra rule book to see what will be different. I can see a throttle stop in my future.
Thanks again for all the input!