Engine Suggestions, What would you do? Options

[jmill]

I've got a 73 17. and a 2.0. I can't afford a Raby 2270 now but until then I want the best bang I can get for the buck. A stock engine won't work for me. What is the cheapest way to upgrade without breaking the bank? Which block do I start with? I can toss about $2,000 at it. Can I build a stroker for that kind of money? Would I be better to build a small displacement rever? What p/c's do I go with? Thanks in advance guys.

[sww914]

I think that here can be a happy balance between less expensive and perfect.
Everyone who tells you that every piece inside the engine should be brand new or reconditioned is right. It is better to renew everything every time. That said, I will never spend $10,000.00 on a goddamned VW Van motor.
Tolerances exist to determine how worn a given part is and when it should be replaced. The very finest parts will last longer, be more reliable and build more power. That's not the question. The real question is how much can you spend and is it enough to build an engine that will work for you. For 2K you can almost get it done. The big variable is the heads. If all these heads have cracks then all the cars running around have cracked heads. What fails? What are the failures?
My car has been running cracked heads for 9 years. I expected it to last a season or two, I didn't have another grand to throw at the heads right then.
It is possible to touch up the valves and seats, replace the guides if they need it, replace the springs if you're going to rev it or add a big cam and run it. Buy some Weber 44's, a cam and lifters, some 96's, bearings and gaskets and build an engine. Will it be as good or last as long? Hell no!
Will it be good enough? Probably.