It's not that hard to get into the 12s. If you want decent handling, decent gas mileage, and lighter weight, go small block. But if you just want a track or straightline car the the obvious answer would be the big block. So it all depends on what you want to do. A small block is more practical for street use, and helps to keep your car balanced for better handling.

 

I've decided to go with a 383 small block set up. Got a decent deal on 4 bolt block. Going to go with a complete Scat bottom end kit. Big bucks but the machine shop owner talked me into it. He likes the AFR heads but $1200 is a bunch. How do the Edelbrock performer Rpm heads compare?

 

Check out Trickflow heads while your at it. I'd trade you my 4bolt standard bore 350 for that BB if we were closer. I'd like to have a BB to spin my 3.08 gears. Seriously, I doubt a 12 sec SB eats less fuel that a 12 sec BB, because you have to gear the SB higher. Don't get me wrong a strong SB is great, I've beaten several BB with it when it was built up.

 

If I could get my wife's cousin from Delaware,OK to drive up for a visit, we could do a swap!

 

I personally perfer the small-block due to the availability of cheap performance parts, plus it will handle better, (and there is a replacement for displacement.... Boost!) Either way you'l have fun

 

For a 12sec. SB car, you might want to check out the Edelbrock E-Tec 200 heads, the Dart Pro1s, Chevy FastBurns, and even the regular Vortecs. I really like the E-Tecs, they are similar to the fast burns, but flow better, have 2.02/1.60 valves, and are just plain cool. They're not overkill, probably cost about $1100 for a set though. Go for cubes if your going SB, a stout 406 would easily put you there. Don't forget other areas that need to be addressed such as suspension and tranny. All the power in the world won't do you any good if you can't put it all down. And don't forget forced induction. If you don't mind a blown car, then I'd suggest getting whatever is cheap and fresh, buy a prepared carb and slap a self contained procharger on it, or get a Demon and get the vortech setup with the carb box. There are many recipies for 12s.