Need Advice on Low(er) Budget Race Build

Strangely, I'd put the cash into fiberglass... fenders, hood, bumpers... To have a $2K engine run tens the car better be 2400lbs. Then stick a basically stock running long block 440 with fenderwells in it. Run a cam and springs, new timing set, and HV oil pump, swap meet intake, shift kit and 6 cyl convertor (Trucks came with /6 727 combos)... Dont touch anything else. It might make the tens after it's sorted out but you have to go lighter. Lose the heater box, the wipers, bumper supports, every other fender bolt... gut the cabin. You rally need somewhere around $3500 to make the 440 performance oriented and reliable. So make the car as light as you can, get the safety stuff in it, and start saving for a better powertrain.