Welllll........no you wouldn't be "ahead of the game" A crate 350 engine is 1500.00 stock. a short block 700.00 stock. Then both options are going to nickel and dime you to death. You have already said that you dont want a race car just a daily driver so it is going to boil down to the money and time that you have to spend.......for the money stay with the 250