[V]

ah ok, well 1500 for engine build still isnt much.

can you just clarify if thats for the rebuild or machine work or for the main componennts etc? like do you consider headers in that or not? what about an ignition system/new dizzy?

Heres 2 of my experiences with sbc...
I did a 383 build in my old 88 iroc vert and i bought a longbloack minus valvetrain for 1800 from a company, the cam lifters, rockers pushrods easily set me back another 1k. the billet dizzy and 6AL ignition box was at least another 700, then new carb intake manifold at least 500. That was 4k right there without even trying hard. No machine work was needed.
That was also reusing my accesories, but i did put a new water pump and a new serp belt bracket mount on the drivers side due to damage i found. another 500 added on. Then thermostat, thermostat housing, motor mounts, bolts that actually fit with headers, headers, catback, new clutch, trans rebuild. but like you said all that would be separate from the 1500.

Then i also did a 350 TPI swap into a 87 Monte SS. I got a stock 87 corvette used short block for 200 off ebay, had a "noise". tore it down and found a wiped out cam bearing only. Had the bearings replaced for 1-200(cant remember) and then ordered the rebuild kit, rings, bearings, gaskets etc. And I wanna say that was maybe 400 or so. 100 for a set of 350 tpi iron heads. I resused all stock internals, but switched to a speed density tpi system. I added tubular edelbrock headers(only things that fit the car with a T5 trans mounted up). With all the nickle and dine stuff, I easily hit 1500 with just that motor build. (not counting the headers). Thats why I think 1500 for even just a engine build limits you. That particular 350tpi monte SS was dynoed and made a mere 221hp/3xxtq(give or take a few...it was in 2005, ill try to find true numbers now). now 221 at the wheels isnt impressive but considering stock internals, injectors etc, the motor new had 245 at the flywheel, the air filter and headers/catback made me a decent amount. But still FAR from being able to take on ANY LS1 car.