Yes, short blocks for the most part are the same... the real power will be in the heads/cam combo and then how you get the air/fuel in, and exhaust out.

Take your time, study up on what heads you'll want/need, and or bouce some ideas off of the group (i.e. Q and Banshee) and then you'll know what to look for and get the best deal on a set of heads.

I've sworn by KYB Gas-Adjust shocks... best bang for the buck. Some think they are a little stiff for the ride, but I feel they give greater control.

But Bjorn has a good solution for even cheaper!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!
(originally from Hibbing, then Bloomington/Burnsville, then Cali, now Seattle!)