Going to build a motor for one of my cars and I got about $1500 for the shortblock parts. A friend is going to help me put it together and I will work that $$$ out with him. Also have a set of DRLA 40's for the top. Have a spare 1.7 motor in the garage so I can scavange parts from that for no $$$. So now what should I build for the $1500 and how much power are we looking at. Could possibly go to $2000 if the HP/Torque gain is enough to make a difference. Or am I just a cheap bastard that is to cheap for his own good?

Are the heads you're going to use in good condition? That was the first thing I'd be looking at. We can get you pistons/cyls (you know we have shelves full at the shop), but the heads need to be sent out to be reworked. Just doing my stock 1.7s was $$$.