Small block to big block convert questions..

Well if any of you have been following my post on the small block side of this forum, you would see that I was looking into doing a 436 stroker capable of 600 hp, but I do not want r3 block simply because I'm not going to drop 2k or more for a bare block. I'm a bit skeptical of the production block holding up long. This is why Iam kicking the idea of a low deck stroker build. My father is building a all out low deck 512 drag motor for his dart as we speak, so i won't be treading into uncharted waters so to speak. Only difference is mine will be a lower compression street motor and still knocking on the door of 600+ hp.
I have heard of guys running the 440 blocks having to ditch the heater blower motor, is this still the case on the low deck motors?