318 stroker -> Mopar Performance A8 build guidance needed.

Hello, long time lurker - first time poster here.

I'm looking for some small block stroker wisdom. I am building a track car out of a 72 cuda for 50% track days(twisties...not drag)/50% grocery getting/mopar events. I occasionally want to put the wife and kids in it so Im not planning on caging it. One of the primary focuses of this car will be handling and trying to get it as light as possible.

To this end I have decided to go the small block stroker route - particularly the 318/340 setup as the 360 blocks weigh 50lbs more. I already have a roller 318 block to start the build with.


The goal of this motor is to: be reliable, make 500-600hp, run on pump gas, be light-weight.


My initial idea was to get the car on the street/track with my 318 block, and then later upgrade to a Mopar Performance A8 block (Mopar Performance A8 Aluminum Blocks & Components - JEGS) as these motors weigh in at roughly 350 lbs (compared to 525 lbs of the 318/340)


Okay - so now the question:
Is there a good stoker crank/rod + valve train + head + carb combination that would work well in my 318 block, but then could be later transplanted to the A8 block?
Or is this just a crazy idea? (Would I need to start with W9 heads on my 318)?



The budget for the initial build is $5-6k, but then later ponying up the money for the A8 block.



Thanks for any help!


S