[1795]

A properly tuned big block should not be smelly. If you stand next to it while it is running and it brings tears to your eyes the carb is not set up right. The torque of an FE will allow you to have all the power that you need at lower rpms; you do not need to run it at 4,000 rpms to have power.

With that being said, if you are going to go with a slab side, then bby all means put a 289/302 in it. Will have all the power that you need to make the car go. Make sure that you have the appropriate rear end ratio and transmission to match the engine. You want to be in the power band of the engine. Small blocks need to run at slightly high rpms for power than a big block does. Good luck.