I had this same problem a few months ago. i'm building a 383 for my chevelle.
I asked on Team Chevelle, and the votes for AFR outnumbered all others probably 3 to 1.
yes they are expensive. i paid $1400 for my AFR 195's, but after hearing nothing but good, i decided to just suck it up, because i knew i would be happy with them.
i havent run it yet though, so i cant give you a definitive answer.
-Matt
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1971 Chevelle 350/TH350 (soon to be 383/4 speed)
"DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!"
CAR
ENGINE