Questions about a 2006 5.7

Its just turning into a big black money hole right now. I will drop a few thousand into our camaro project that never ends but so far its pistons, heads, gaskets, turned into 4 rods, push rods now since pre eagle are too short, intake that I expected but not getting a 6.1 aluminum for 5-600, then the valve covers wont fit so tack that on just makes the project that should hopefully last into a build. Considering I bought the car with a "hemi tick" from a mechanic that most likely knew it was not the hemi lifter tick. After putting a couple grand into it, those used motors start to look like the better choice, but then again, what do you get or will you be dealing with rebuilding that one.
Yeah, I made the choice early on with my car, it was “build a balls to the wall 360 stroker” for $17k with my shop, or “order a brand new crate motor with accessories ” for $12k.

Obviously the direction changed going from a stock 485 HP build of the crate which increased the budget, but we’ve been keeping as many stock motor parts as it makes sense.

I just get a little annoyed when the standard approach for some folks is to go aftermarket when Ma Mopar did a fine job with some things. (Stamped steel suspension components not withstanding). :)