My 2 cents worth...
There are so many members here that know way more than you or I will ever know about cams, engines, combo's etc. And I respect them greatly for their help, as I'm sure you do. The problem, in my humble opinion, lies in frame of reference. What you mean by "budget build" can and will mean something entirely different to another. "Acceptable" performance to you will also mean something entirely different. I could post my combo here and I know it would get ripped apart - and for good reason. I know there are alot of reasons it's not a `good' combo.
But the thing is, I'm driving it, enjoying it, getting compliments on it and having fun participating in the hobby. I won't win very many races, I can't do a burnout for fear of destroying my 7.25 rear end, and I'm OK with all that. A big chunk of my budget went to body and paint, because I can't do that stuff myself. So I had less to work with for mechanical, but finding parts here and there that were maybe a second choice but more affordable worked for me. Because I wanted to get the car DONE and on the road. I was getting tired of WAITING for money for this part of that. And make no mistake, this IS an expensive hobby.
It sounds like you started focused on getting the car solid, suspension, brakes and such - excellent choice. By all means, keep asking for help here, you will certainly get all you need from so many intelligent contributors. But keep your target in sight - concourse restoration, show winner, daily driver, rat rod. Then spend accordingly. There's a boatload I still want and should do to my car, but it would still be sitting in my garage, waiting. And I would be getting frustrated, and impatient, and bored. And maybe start not enjoying so much.
So, what are you trying to accomplish - at this point?. I don't doubt the target may change, but at this point, what are you aiming for - on the road ASAP? Willing to wait a year, 2, 3...? Do you want every nut and bolt polished no matter what the time or cost? Is your priority to drive it as soon as you can or to "finish" it before it goes on the road.
Dave