10's on $5,000 ?

PRH said
All of my objections revolve around the idea of substituting one of your running driving Dusters for anything else you might come up with.

Not that it matters....... but I’m good with whatever vehicle you buy for this project.

I just want to know (not to drag this out...) how a running and driving duster is further ahead of the game than a running and driving diplomat.
Ok, lets say I use my '74 Duster.

rear end is a 7.25. Do i need to change it???
tranny is 904. Do i need to change it??
small block K frame. Do i need BB mounts??
has small block stock exhaust manifolds. Do I need headers??? $$$$ for abody BB headers, I might add.
Has small block radiator. Will it work???
Has drum brakes on all 4. Will they be sufficient???

Please enlighten me if I buy a good running diplomat how my Duster has an advantage in cost or anything else to get the BB swap/rear end swap done and go 10's???? Whether I put 4k into a Duster or take 5k, spend 1k on a diplomat and do the same swap.