Hey Guys,
Just a few points:
Just because something "works" does not mean it is the best idea or combination for a given package. Anytime standardized parts are in the mix, you are giving up something. Every time any specific detail or duty behind an engine build changes, there is a potential change in preferred specifications of what is built. This is why we build 95% custom engines, and only about 5% end up being something built with shelf parts. While we offer multiple engine and internal packages, every single one of them is spec'd based on the individual engine build.
At 1K at the wheels, you are absolutely up in the range where low-mid range parts are not the best solution, but there are multiple options in all categories in any case.
One of the largest portions of our business these days is the custom race and forced induction engines;
http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/Gallery.asp [Not recently updated, but some nice builds from last year]