10 sec small block
im going to chime in on this even though im no expert...judging by what you said, that this will be your only car, i think 10's is very unrealistic...alot of guys talk of 10 sec street cars, that they only drive to cruise nights and coffee shops or the odd local "races" (if you know what i mean), but other than that streetability really isnt there...I think you have a few options...you could either get some real good forged internals and spray it when you want it (mind you i have always felt bottles are for babies but thats just my opinion)...I know a guy who has demon around me...its a 360 stroked to 408, forged internals (not sure of the CR on it) and when he sprays it he runs mid 11's on 275 drag radials with a 3.91 gear...he drives his car hard and everywhere, lots of highway miles too, and doesnt have any problems with it (has since gone the procharged route and now making 750 at the crank)...the other option is i think to build a mild low compression big block...I have only been in one big block abody, and its my dad's dart...although his car is setup for the track (hence the minitub, 4.88 gears and 3500 converter) and should be good for high 11's, and his setup is fairly mild and is a blast to drive...just ask some of the other guys on here, the torque a big block a-body will make is awesome! I cant explain how wicked it is to be planted in the seat from the torque and like i said my dads motor is very mild...even with a stock stroke 440, not nescesarily a stroker lowdeck motor, with some mild upgrades, decent tires and suspension and gear, you can have quite a bit of street fun while still running pump gas! so there is my .02 cents...in my opinion, anything faster than mid 11's that is daily driven is really pushing it...thats why i have alot of respect for guys who drive their cars everyday and can come to the strip and pull off high 11's/ mid 12's in street trim...they may not be the fastest guys out there, but there cars are enjoyable and driven everywhere...most guys who go faster are restricted from that versatility