Just build it old school like we did growin up. Leave the long block alone. Intake, carburetor, headers and if the budget can allow a mild cam and lifters and new timing chain set. You can also recurve the distributor real cheap.
^^^^This is the stuff, here. ^^^ This is the cheapest way to put a smile on your face! And don't forget to throw on your traction bars, 'cause it's a good feeling when you power brake it up and the back end lifts about 2 inches... :D