440 RB question

Guys I have an opportunity to buy a 1978 440 and 727 transmission for a very very nice price.
8T440-E 4006630-44-3
Now I understand this is a low compression engine. I also understand that this should have the nice heads in her 452's. Also 440 Source said that the cast crank will be fine as long as I'm not drag racing from what I read.
But heres the questions.
I want to up the horse power on a budget.
Is this a piston, cam, lifter, head port/polish deal? Or is there going to be more involved here. I'm under the unserstanding that the rods are the same-ish as far as stroke.
So does this make sense:
Use current crank and rods.
Rework block as needed
Update the pistons to get a better compression ratio.
Update cam to a nice duration
Work the heads (452's) or buy some eddies
Single plane intake
4b 750 demon/Holly
727
Rear end?
Going into an A-Body (71 Scamp)

What kind of horse power could I realistically expect from a reworked 78 block? I would love to get in the 500 area but would be happy with anything over 400.

Guys it's a really good deal on the 440/727 real good. Spins too.

This will be my first build so any guidence or pointers would be helpful. If I can find a forged crank I will but for now this is what I have to work with. I have a machinest ready to go in the spring and will be picking the engine transmission up when the snow melts.
Going to be a fun build. Will have lots of pic's of the build. Hopeing to have the engine built by fall and the whole conversion done by end of next summer.

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