Cheapest way to built a 300-350hp small block

Well, 74' low compression A & E bodies ran mid 14's off the floor, so if you can find a solid 360LA that doesn't need a complete rebuild, or maybe will take a berrybush hone and some replacement rings & bearings along with a fresh pump, you could easily duplicate that in the lighter weight Valiant. With the headers and a cam grind to build mid range torque with the low compression, i can see you getting close. I think the carb & intake you have may be a wash, but a little converter, 2800ish, with the right cam and a really good timing curve and tune may get it into the 13's. I'm old school, but in my day, a high 13 second daily driver was a pretty stout car on the street. I'm just thinking a low/no budget type build.