[AMF]

Get whatever suits you right now. If it's not enough for you down the road, you can always slap a twin screw on it.

A twin screw will give you all the power/torque you need and then some. And yes, the torque is available down low where everyone likes it. Couple on top of that, you can keep your gas mileage.

A built 289 with a twin screw has the ability to outperform ANY naturally aspirated big block.

There are 4.6 modulars making 1000 hp. I've seen a 2V 4.6 with stock heads/intake make 600 RWHP. (with a blower of course). And that's with a safe/streetable tune.

Again, I'd get a wicked 289, built to the max (forged crank, billet rods, billet pistons, built valve train/heads) and then when you get used to the power, slap a kenne bell or whipple on top of it. If you run the compression down in the 9:1 range, you can stuff 10-14 psi into it with relatively no issues or worries. That would put that motor well into the 600rwhp range.

However, I must add that it all comes down to your budget and whatever "steal" deals you happen to come across. All things being equal, a big block will cost less than a small block plus blower. So if you happen to come across a nice backup race engine for sale then I'd snatch it up, BB or SB, doesn't matter. If it's a SB and it doesn't blow your skirt up enough, slap a twin screw on and enjoy the ride.