Need some amplifier suggestions

Folks, I've been out of the whole car stereo arena for several years, so my knowledge and lingo are both a little rusty.  I need some suggestions here on equipment.

I've got a new '04 F-150 that I'd like put some of my older equipment in but I need to do some upgrades in the process and I'm looking for suggestions.  Basically I have two 8 ohm (that's right, 8 ohm) Solobaric 10's.  These are the older C-series round models.  The specs are identical to the D-Series.  Per Kicker these things should max out around 450 watts per sub.  Back when I had these installed in my old car I was running them in a bridged/mono config using a late 90's model Punch 200 2-channel.  (The older black ones from before they switched to the trapezoid models).  Does anyone have a good affordable suggestion for an amp upgrade for these subs?  I'm trying to stay in the $150-$300 range.  Sorry if that's being cheap. : )

Find yourself the largest 2 channel amplifier that you can afford. You will be using the bridged output of this amplifier for a 4 ohm mono output to your two 8 ohm subs that will be wired as shown below. Have a close look at the amplifiers, some lie through their teeth about power ratings, a good amp will have a good size fuse to protect it. If one amp says it is 500watts and has a 20 amp fuse and the other amp is 500watts and has a 60 amp fuse, the latter amp is the larger one to use.

Wiring Option #1