IMO
Say you had a 360/400 hp engine,and with all other things being equal;
For a 340 to achieve that would require about 1 size bigger cam. A teener might require 2 sizes bigger, or more.So yes it is possible to build similar hp and go racing. Since a given hp to weight traps at a given mph, everybody uses the same reargear. This can cause a real problem on the start line.
But on the street it's whole different ball-game. When it comes to small blocks, those 20 or so cubes become very valuable and/or very useful, cuz the vast majority of the time for a streeter is spent way below peak power, and usually considerably below peak torque as well. So this is where the small-cammed 360 shines,seeing as how it will make more low-speed torque.
And every time you upsize the cam, you need to upsize the gears, and/or the TC.So again, a 360 with say,a 268* does quite well with 3.55s. The 340 with a 275*cam will want 3.73s, and a teener with a 282* will want 3.91s. So again, it can be done. You just gotta deal with the issues that come with running big cams,big gears, and hi-stalls.
Where the 360 shines, is that it can cruise the hiway in more comfort, and sip less fuel,and since it doesn't need to rev as high, the engine should last longer too.And this, for a streeter is also an asset, cuz I for one, want my engine to last a really long time, cuz it cost me a really lotta money, and will cost me a really lotta more money to rebuild it, if it breaks.
So that is why, I started with a 360, even tho I had at least one of every size LA to chose from. I am a streeter first, and was a travelin' man when the combo went together, and to top it off nearly broke. So, for me the 360 hit the most bases.Well, that and the fact that it costs about the same to build any of the SBMs, so I thought; might as well start with the biggest.
This is one of your best posts. J.Rob
But, I'm probably preaching to the choir, cuz I'm sure you all know this kindof stuff, and some probably know it waaay better, than do I.Perhaps most......