LA 360 budget build ideas

Port volume will affect velocity more than valve size, I don't see the point in spending $$ on seat inserts and machining to choke the 360 port up with a 1.78" valve.
If your after velocity over flow stick with the iron 360 heads (smaller runner than aftermarket alloy heads) and 1.88/1.6" valves, do some bowl blending, get a decent valve job and back cut the intakes to help low lift flow.