I recommended a 440 or better yet a 543, figured it be much easier to reach his goal and not have to rev the piss out of it.
Sometimes it is cheaper to go faster.
I try not to talk anyone out of running either a big block or small block. We all have our reasons. My 572 keith black has been here sitting unused since 2010. I just have more fun playing with these little engines. But I love them both. And have run both. Sometimes the rules or weight break’s dictate the engine size we run.