Zoom,
I have had almost every kind of Ford engine except the 385 series at one time or another. I had a 427 tunnelport, 406 tri power,and various versions of the 427, 428, and 390 series. I also have had and do have a 289, 439 (428 bored) and stock 351s to the 416 stroker I have in my Replica now. I like the big blocks for raw power and they will pull through that wall of air you hit easier than the strokers, but I feel that my car just gets off corners and handles better all around with the small block. I still enjoy driving the big block, and that raw power at just over 100 MPH is a real thrill but since I no longer go to the tracks, I drive my 289 stock 2 barell most of the time. But once again it just gets down to what you yourself prefer and I won't say that one is better than another.
Ron
