I can get an LQ9 for $450 for a complete long block (the one with higher compressions from an escalade), basically valve covers to oil pan. Its one with the 317 casting alum. heads. I was planning on having the stock 317 heads ported, re-ring it, all new bearings, ARP rod bolts, ported oil pump, ls2 timing chain with a semi-large cam. Maybe a G5X3, MS3, or an F13. Do you think this combo will make 430-450RWHP through an M6, with a good tune? Im thinking this may be a plan for a fairly stout daily driver...what do you think? It would be going in an M6 Camaro SS. Other plans would be a 100-150 shot...maybe a little bigger.

Also, im not looking to get out of hand here. I am wanting to have well less than $2,000 in the whole build-up. Looking for a good amount of power for my daily driver....a "cam only" isnt enough for me. Motor smokes now, so im looking to have something ready to go. Compression test on mine ranged from 170psi down to 135psi on cyl #8

 

If you for sure want to run N2O, now's the time to get stronger forged pistons. That's about all I would add to your lineup.

Are you getting the larger valves when the heads are ported? Does your porter have flow numbers for the LQ9 heads? That's what you need most in order to choose a cam here I would think...