[nikwho]

I would prefer a solidly built 383 short block with an Eagle or Scat rotating assembly and garbage, poor flowing GM heads, than a stock short block with a $2,000 set of AFR heads. I would invest as much as I could in the short block (Gen 1, LT1, Vortec, whatever it may be), as the top end is easily upgradable in the future. Build it with a plan, regarding camshaft, intake, head, compression, etc. and you can do it in steps.

Good luck with your build!

Nik