Timmer,
Depending on how much work you do yourself (and the HP of the smallblocks that you race against), your 292 does not have to be that expensive. You can build a strong 292 for a relatively reasonable price, depending on how patient you are. If you buy a camshaft with something in the neighborhood of 220 degrees duration at .050 (and .500 valve lift) and can find some LPG pistons then you're halfway to your goal of building a strong low end 292.
Add to this a well balanced bottom end (magnafluxed rods and crank), an outstanding port and polish of the head and a Clifford water heated intake with a small 4 barrel you'll have a very strong road runner that should hold it's own on the streets.
-ftyler
