Dave is right. I play with sbf's and the parts for them are always higher than what the Chevy guys pay............don't know why, they just are.

I would forget the aluminum heads for now, they can be added later. With the plan you have outlined you want to build a torque motor, not necessary a high winder. I would put an RV type grind cam in it, some early, non smog heads, a good dual plane intake and about a 500-600 cfm carb. You might have some money left over, so buy a decent electronic distibutor (actually, the stock Ford electronic ones aren't all that bad) I would also add some headers and a good dual exhaust system with an H or X pipe and some free flowing mufflers.

Don