I am in the process of having a 496 built for my '69. My cost for the forged bottom end, aluminum race heads and all accessories is just a little more than 5K. I believe it is possible to have a high 7s car for around 5K. I would say good deals and own shop/labor.

Since I am more geared for 1/4 mile and not street I am going with a Chevy motor. No matter how much you spend on a pontiac motor, it will never out-perform a Chevy motor. True, the Pontiac motor can have more torque, but I am not pulling boats down main street. Also, the Pontiac motor will never withstand higher RPMs required for the drag strip. I would have put a Pontiac motor in my bird if it was going to give me the numbers I am looking for. Sorry, It wasn't possible, no matter what I could do and how much I spend.

The Chevy race motors/parts are much cheaper and can be found more abundantly.

Building up a strong Pontiac race motor and parts will be very limited, expensive or non-existant.

If you want high performance go with a Chevy block. If you want show quality stick with the Pontiac motor.

It is almost for sure you will get the "why" look from diehard Pontiac enthusiasts, so keep the stock motor and tranny if you would ever want to sell it. The choice is yours...