Bare Bones Budget 400 Build

Key to the budget build imo is to buy the stuff long before you need it when you come across a deal. I have more core engines than I currently have cars. If you wait until the moment you need something, you will pay a premium for it. For example it is entirely possible to buy a non running vehicle, part it out to get your cost back, while getting the core engine for nothing other than some work.
So true, I picked up a running 400 yesterday for $300, I have no idea yet, which car I will put it in, but it was cheap enough.
Its in my outbuilding now, so dry and safe for a long time.