[patrickt]

I'm going to agree with Rod, again. Stimpy, you can easily make rational arguments comparing small blocks versus big blocks and the small block will come out on top virtually every time (if argued correctly). The two exceptions are the "coolness" factor and the sound -- and those might not even be important to you. A small block can get you just as much, or more, usable horsepower, will weigh less, will usually have less maintenance, will rev just as well or better, will be easier to work on because there's more room under the hood, will get better gas mileage, and will cost you a good bit less. That said, a small block will not sound the same, regardless of the pipes or displacement, and, arguably, will not possess the same coolness factor. Personally, I would never switch out my big block for a small block, unless I went with a FIA type car, which is just not me.