I have a basically stock 383 in my '68 Coronet. It's the original 1968 model year short block with the pistons slightly above deck. Has 'cleaned up" 452 heads now with nice M.P. valves, a "Road Runner" 268 cam, basic headers and an Edelbrock Performer on it. Runs decent but it's just kinda OK, not setting any records with it. Even with a stick and 3.23 Sure Grip its nothing to write home about though it's more fun that it was with the 727. The Gen III Hemi in my Ram is a better engine with less cubes in a much heavier vehicle.
At some point, the 383 is coming out for one of the three 400s I have waiting in the wings. Thinking 470" or more. Same external dimensions as the 383 but has the largest bore of any big block... sound familiar? I'll keep the 383 Magnum pie tin on it though, just for fun.
Time marches on.
It's probably similar to the old hot rod guys back in the '40s and '50s who built up Flathead Fords or Olds Rocket motors and such. Imagine what they must have felt when the "youth market" muscle cars came around and made real performance accessible to the masses? Late '50s-early '60s the Big Three made it possible for anyone to walk into a dealer and drive home with a 400+ hp car without turning a wrench. Must have been eye opening.
Just be thankful we're not arguing about battery upgrades for electric weenie mobiles!