Malibu,

An assembled short block is going to run you $1,800 - $2,000. A stroker kit would run $600 - $900, then you've got some machine shop costs to add on top of that. If I were going to a stroker, I would buy a reputable stroker kit, have the block machined to fit, and do the assembly myself. However, if you chose to go that way, you need to make sure the block can be bored out to .060 BEFORE you buy the kit - otherwise, you're going to be looking for another block.

However, think about this. An upgraded cam and some good heads would make a massive improvement in your 355 for a lot less money. Something like a Performer RPM intake, cam and head combo. If you've got a good intake manifold, the cam and head combo would work. Edelbrock 7102 cam & kit ($188) and 60719 heads ($489 Each). Good from 1500 - 6500 RPM.

If you want to add more rump-rump (2500 - 6500 RPM) and less street driveability, the Torker II package - same heads, different cam (#5002 - $178) and Torker II single plane manifold (#5001 - $96).

There are choices . . . and there are choices.