I used a vintage iron block for the "Cool factor"! It's a little extra fun when you open the hood and can say "It's a original 66' 427 side oiler". People look at it like it's a 'time machine' back to the day. The vintage engine takes them one step further back.
The most common reaction is: "Wow!"
People like to see well maintained/restored old stuff.
I'm sure I could have built a very nice aluminum engine for what I paid for mine, but then I'd have a 'new' engine.
My motor sounds, smells, leaks, like a original. Kind'a like a trip in Peabody & Sherman's "Wayback Machine"!
I guess I'm just living in the past, but if I wasn't, I'd have a new Z06, wouldn't I?
jdog