[DavidNJ]

At that power level, stock Ford blocks are primarily used. The weight difference is 60# in an 8.2" block. Not much. For the nearly $2k difference, you could get lightweight pistons with short lightweight pins, and internally balance your crank. Maybe add a lightweight flywheel (like the 18# Quartermaster clutch from Levy's). A lightweight crank could save 10#.

If you were going to use a Dart block anyway (around $2600 prepped I believe), you may want to spring for the extra $1200 for the aluminum.

At that power level, are you using a hydraulic roller or a mild solid flat tappet cam?