I agree I would much rather do a small block.. way less weight and like you said in todays world we can make a small block do sooo much. I can go with a 400sbc bored .30 over to a 406. I built one for my 78 camaro.. It has crazy torque. everything is rebuilt stock but the intake and carb and headers. It flat out flys... spins the tires with the tap of the pedal.