Front End Rebuild vs. After Market K-Frame
I agree - you can get a lot done with the stock stuff and good quality rebuilds. Stock parts won't hold you back for drag racing or street cruising. I'd only go for the aftermarket parts if I were trying to take on BMWs in an autocross, swapping in a big block and wanted more clearance, or had some other hardcore application that really needed it. You can get 90% of the results for under 50% of the money if you just add some minor, well chosen parts to a stock front suspension.
You'd swap a big block into a auto-x car? Not my first choice, but to each their own!
If i were to rebuild my entire front end in my cuda for nothing but street use. However, with enough turning capability to have some fun with.
*I'd do tubular upper control arms
*Poly bushings where i could
*C-body tie rods and adjusters (more HD than stock)
*Slightly larger than stock front sway bar, rubber bushings
*Stock rear sway bar w/poly bushings
*Have my super stock springs and summit adjustable shocks
*Have my already upgraded 11 3/4" cordoba brakes
*Have my 17 & 18" wheels already, put some nice rubber on 'em
*Subframe connectors
Then go mess around on the twisties! In my opinion, to fully benefit from a aftermarket K-member, you need to be fairly heavy into competition auto-x, average street car will have better manners, rack & pinion, etc if you have 'extra' money around.