To Stroke, or not to Stroke

Chlgr, it's your choice. You seem to have the rest of the parts, so swapping in a bigger engine is not a big deal. If that's what you want, byt all means build it. But, if everyone could build a high powered 512 for $4K they would. Simply put, they can't. The cam choice is way wrong for a big inch engine. And no $1500 set of heads will make power on one that large. Having built more than one or two of both, the RB based package will cost roughly 20% more than a small block package and produce about 15% more power built similarly. Definately build what you want. Just be smart and realistic about it. The big engines are perfectly reliable when built and matched properly. More streetable than most too. 590hp/600tq that idles at 800rpm. But driving them can be an adventure. The 505 with reasonable sized rear radials is almost undriveable over 1/2 throttle in anything less than 4th gear w/3.54s in an E body. For me, I enjoy the small block packages more, and unless I planned to go with a longer stroke than 4", I'd build a small block. It's not cubic inches. It's the stroke. Plus it fits so much easier.