Jim-I would love to post some pictures of my car and engine work. But you see I am a total computer idiot and really don't care that much to learn it either. I really need to flash some pictures here on this board though. As for block weights I have heard that a aluminum FE block by Dove Mgf. weighs in at 120 lbs. Don't know if that's true though. If so I bet it costs a bunch.
JWeaton-I recomended a smallblock above. I have a serious love affair with big blocks though. I tend to ignore the pros and cons stuff on small vs big blocks and write them off as personal choice. I don't claim to know much either, but this much I do know. When it comes to building Detroit iron, the costs of building both small and big block stuff is really the same when you compare identical horsepower numbers. Big blocks will allways give you the edge in bottom end torque. Small blocks are lighter and you have to buzz the motor more. But again, the costs of both builds are always close to being the same unless you get into rare or exotic parts. The costs will climb quickly for both styles in that case.
Is one style better than the other? In a word , YES !
cobrashock