I live in Canada our money doesn't go as far. But I'd start with a decent running magnum preferably 5.9l (360) but a 5.2l (318) will work cause they got decent cr and head is capable to make 400 hp as is with a reasonable cam, on the high end of reasonable. A little port work and maybe some milling get away with less cam and or make more power and can always do an aftermarket head swap down the road for more power.
Price out the various ways to get there pick best one that suits you.