Bracket engine, what would you build and why?

There are soooo many variables to consider when your car is off a few on the big end of the track, but it sounds like you have a great foundation for a bracket car....Big tires and not an obscene amount of horse power.

I don't know big blocks, but I would keep the cam relatively tame for the sake of reliability (no crazy ramps)....that's what I did with my small block and I don't regret it. Sure it could go faster with a bigger cam, but it is very low maintenance and reliable with what I've got, and it is SUPER consistent....oddly enough it is pretty quick to boot.