I paid $700 for machine work, $1500 for balanced stroker kit... add $700 speedmaster heads... now you have the torque and wouldn't need a converter just the correct $99 cam regrind, solid lifters, and some $200 used 273 adjustable rockers...
Now instead of roasting the tires for a half block, you'll roast the tires till you run out of gas or rubber.... my-2...