build vs crate

[SS Shaun]

well something i am going around talking with a friend of mine. i have a target goal of trying to get 400hp and anything over 400tq. I have a 454 right now that i know is a dog! after doing the calculations we figured its going to be in the mid 7.x:1 compression. which is going to be about 200-250-hp to maybe 300tq. So i told my friend we can make my 454 a very nice 496. so we went and did the math and matched everything to get me some real power out of it but the cost was more then getting a crate 496. On the flip side we calculated it will have over 500hp and over 500tq. but is it worth it for a street car? So i ask what would you guys do? build it the way you want it or just get a crate motor from jegs or summit?