Ok I've been doing some research (btw are search function sucks). I belive what I'm looking for is a LM7 it looks to be the cheapest and should put me in the 300 hp range to start off. Do I need anything else besides an lsx intake and fbody accesories, fbody oil pan to get this to drop in? From that point it's pretty much a ls1 swap correct?

 

Stock for stock, LM7s are around 285hp. A few bolt ons should get you up there pretty easy

Yes, your parts list should cover the necessities. One additional thing is to drill/tap the block for the 2nd alt bracket hole. Id recommend this before the engine is in the car. Beware, searching for each piece of the accessories is time consuming and expensive, but not quite as much as a 5.7 dropout

 

Acessories are going to be free for me. I have a friend with a ls1 ws6 going with a whole new serp system with polished acessories. And the most I will ever want out of this car is 450rwhp wich I think I could accomplish with a somewhat cheap turbo build considering I can do all the fab myself. But for right now a 300hp will get me down the street plenty fast. This is to be a car I can just drive around no intentions of a track monster in this build just super clean.

 

Ported heads and an ls6 intake should bring me pretty close to my number