Maximum Performance N/A 383 build. Input wanted from engine gurus.

Oh I agree, but there's always been people who want to get the most out of what they have. That's all the guy is trying to do.
Same with my engine I did the best I could with what I had, added a few tricks and really there's nothing special there.

No, I get that.
But trying to make serious steam with an 8.75 rear behind a 4,000 pound car to me doesn’t make sense. I get the guy has a budget, we all do, to whatever degree, but you also have to your aims be based in reality.
Running that rear, heavy pistons to 8 grand, etc, isn’t reality, no matter your budget or what parts you have to work with.