I have 540's, short deck with 1/4 strokers. Unless your engines are almost free, that's the way to go. If you have to pay any money at all, you're better off using a 502 block or a merlin 2 tall block.

I here you... My friend can get the engine for $500.
I have not done too much hunting for a stroker kit as of yet, but I did see one for $2300 in Jegs.

I think you can buy a 502 short block for about $4000 and a 540 for about $5000...

We'll see... but if it was me, I would buy a 502.

Thanks for the help!