I still contend that for a home built motor,using stock parts,a 427 fe is the horsepower and durabilty king.However I will also agree that when you put after market parts,modern research and development,and the dollar per hp ration into it,there are better choices.
The way I see it from a back yard mechanic point of view,ford center
oil block,ford rods and crank,eldebrock heads,good cam and intake set up,thats an easy 425-475 horse power balanced and properly assembled with a 6800 rev limit is bullet proof,In my experience you cant say that about any other engine to come from detroit. then there is that awesome sound,,,Tk