360 build on a budget. Opinions????

Hmmm. $1K aint much. I think what you have, the intake should be sold and replaced with a factory Thermoquad style, any year (stock 360, if you were closer, I'd give you one). I think the cam should be sold too, and replaced with the Summit. Cam, lifters, springs are $200. The edelbrock carb needs no adaptor as it has both patterns on it. It may need a flat plate Edelbrock sells to seal up, so figure $10 for that. If the engine was running, do not tear into it. IMO, it's best to check a couple rod bearings. If they look good, dont take it apart. Stick the HV pump on it and run it that way. You will need 8 valve retainers to replace the rotators in on the exh valves. Seal it up, have some good duals run off the manifolds, and drive it. It leaves some money for the tuning stuff, oil, filters, belts, etc.