to yy1,hmm..lol..sounds like familiar advice eyh.
to the Op.
i see you have started embracing the idea of a magnum.
thats good to hear,because its the easiest to get Hp for.
about your truck magnum.
personally,this is how i do it all the time.
in fact theres one sitting waiting to be stripped right now in my yard,
for a friends project car.
i paid the grand sum of $250 bucks for this truck,
which had been crashed in the front corner.
i bought this truck because i could hear it run and drive,And,
i knew the former owner very well,
so i knew the history of the truck and how he took care of it.
for this,i got a recently maintained 318 magnum/timing chain water pump etc etc,
and a $1800 rebuilt transmission,which maybe someone will need later on.
next,ill take off the body parts worth saving,the brakes and assorted odds,
and ends,and then load whats left with scrap and cash it out at the yard.
scrap prices are around 160 a ton,
so i can make $300 back on my $250 investment.
2 things you need to watch out for w magnums,
the stock factory heads would crack.
Enginequest i think it was ,makes replacements that are better,
for around 700 a pair last time i bought a set.<<
the factory efi intakes were junk/not a problem for where you are going with it.
as far as your wanted Hp levels,you have to be realistic.
theres a huge difference in 300-500hp,both cashwise And in other components.
sure,you can throw a 10grand motor in there,
but your Stock trans rearend and suspension arent going to be able to handle it very well.
i think you could get 350 to 400 hp very easily out of a 360 magnum,
and still be driveable.
you really need to sit down and make 2 plans,
one for your wild side and one for your sensible side...
then you will be able to see for yourself the right way to go.
Edit:yes,your fuel injection idea isnt bad either.
they make all sorts of standalone stuff now.
this makes your car a lot easier to start and saves you gas money.
best part is,if you get another mopar,you can always swap everything over to it.