318 build suggestions?

just my .02 as someone that has built a "Budget" small block.. i used a used bottom end and still ended up well over 3k into it without doing anything crazy...

on your budget i would seriously comb FB market place and get a 440+trans which you can do for under 1k still easily, hit your power easily and have a BB a-body which is always cool... plus you will have spare money to replace that rear.. a 7.25 even babied is going to spew its guts out.

I have seen running 440s+trans here a few times this year for 700ish.. and 400hp out of a 440 is basically a given.

not trying to change your mind.. but anytime you figure a job is 3k it will be 5k.. that's just life.