[78 monte]

Unless its gonna be a monster race motor I'd be less concerned with it being a 2 bolt block,as I would it being a high nickel block. Look under the timing cover for a cast 010 number that indicates 10% higher nickel block.These were generally the older driver side dipstick block with the wide water pump boss tab on the pass. side.
Your better off with a 2 bolt 010 block than a 4 bolt thin block.

[cdminter59]

If you want to build a 383 stroker you can purchased Program 4 bolt main caps. The machine shop can drill the block, fit the caps and align bore the block when done. I had my 454 block decked to .005 and converted to 4 bolt main caps for $500 including align bore. Like was said the extra cubes = more bottom end torque to get that heavy truck moving. You said the budget was $3000-5000, you can have nice 450 hp 383 stroker for that price. BTW you could buy a rotating like this to save money. Eagle Street/Strip Kit, SB Chevy 400, 3.750' Eagle Crank, 6.0' Eagle Rods, 10.3:1 SRP Pistons - Eagle Street\Strip Rotating Assembly Kits - Eagle Rotating Assembly Kits - Rotating Assemblies | CNC Motorsports | Car Parts | Truck Parts | Competition E. Purchase a set of Dart SHP top end kit to save some more $$$: Dart 01311132 Dart SHP Top End Kits for SB-Chevy