Stroker (help)
 

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I guess I would ask, what exactly is your question here. In 99.99% of cases more CI is better, so I guess you would know the direction I would tell you if your pocketbook is willing and able. In your application torque will be king due to the weight of your chariot, so I would suggest the biggest displacement you can afford to build and feed.

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Callies new compstar cranks are not that much more than the eagle stuff, and the rods are the same way. AS far as who is building it I understand you 100%. Quality over quantity. If you are set on an AL block, I would use the ls7 over the ls2-resleeved simply because you mentioned cost. To keep things affordable, I would go with a set of l92 heads that have been massaged on the exhaust side. Get a real custom cam ground for it and enjoy.

It all boils down to the money. $10k will run out real quick if you are looking for a complete engine out of it. You can get a 440-454 shortblock for under $7K if you are willing to use the LSx iron block. Personally for your application I would contact LME and have them build you the 4.125x4.125 short block with the callies stuff, top it with the l-92 heads and spray the snot out of it.

You have a lot of good options here. Living in Texas you can just drive over and pick up a short block. Like most things it's the quality of the build and that sometimes/mosttimes means money. If the plan is to reuse your heads and just have a short block built then you will be limited by their flow. You could go with a big short block then change out the heads when the money comes together. Just about anyone on your list could do the job. I'd get on the horn and talk. Find out what you can get for the money. I'd look into one of SDPC 427 short blocks. They have a lot of other offerings as well.

D.J.