You're doing fine. I started the same way. Almost the same way I should say I went with two Edelbrock carburetors on a dual quad intake that I still have and love. The important part is you have a nice quality short block and can build from there as time goes by. You don't have to do it all at once. It's expensive that way. There's many people out here will tell you to buy this and buy that and buy this and buy that like your money comes off a tree out in the backyard. I say to them why no s*** Sherlock if I had that budget I would I would have bought all that crap to begin with... read on what other people are doing take other people's suggestions with a grain of salt and continue to do what you can when you can. I'm personally have reground my cam three times trying to find The Sweet Spot of where I like things to be. It becomes part of the fun of the hobby. The one thing I did like you did was have a machine shop build the bottom end and balance it nicely so you have a nice Foundation you can play with. I do agree whatever you can do to make it breathe better or improve..
