Cheaper than dirt 318 build

Let's hold on a cotton picker here......

The OP is getting a 318 and it needs rebuilt?

That's a LOT of money.

Might be cheaper to get a running driving (but may have trans issues) 5.2 and spend the money on the conversion accessories.

Sure will have an HP advantage right from the start.

In fact, a 5.9 will already be at that magical 300 HP number with ZERO mods.

...and should be good for about 200,000 total miles or more.
I bet the 5.2l is not far off 300hp too.
I wouldn't get caught up in hp numbers 250 ish hp 330 tq is a stock 4bbl la 360, which a mild 318 can match anything better is bonus.