never underestimate a 350 sbc. there is always the route of stroking it for more horses

 

believe me...my 350 is not going anywhere anytime soon...and Big Blocks don't entice me for some reason.....I will probably only ever use a Big Block if I get a nice K5 or a shortbed/stepside......I have so many 350s long and shorts around me
I wouldnt mind a mild build or stroke Vortec or LS (when I get better resources than now)

 

the 396 was great being the first of the true big block chevys, but there were many more impressive big cube big blocks that it seems pointless to build one now unless your restoring a car that came with one. at this point and time inches are god and bigger is always better. at the point of building a 396/402 your better off going with a 406/427 sbc. they would build power similar to a big block of equal size without the huge price tag and weight penalty of the big block. 350s are great because theyre over abundant. i personally think that there are several sbcs that are better though. anyways good luck with it. also let it be known though i love the small block i too have big block dreams.

 

exactly...I wouldn't build a 396 when if i'm at that point...id go 427 or 454