Uhoh, I may have unleashed the most feared of all "discussions" - big/small block.
For my needs - ok WANTS - a street car, the small block fits the bill. I want handling, drivability and speed in that order - not stains on my seat. BTW - I have open class dirt bikes with 3.6 Lbs/HP so I'm not a stranger to it - a rush when the circumstances are right - a serious handful the rest of the time. I'd still like to try a nice 427 SO sometime - even my wife thinks thats a good idea - then again she keeps handing me the radio when I'm in the shower.
I've gained the needed domestic authorization - I'll be standing in line for my beautiful ERA 289 FIA with all the other poor drooling sods by the end of the week.
Thanks for all the info everyone.