I think Bob hit the nail on the head. It all depends on what style you are building. Do you want nostalgia , want something practical, or want something that drives like a modern car?

For Nostalgia, nothing beats a full dress flattie running through a pair of smithys. Both in tems of looks and sound. I've also heard that many overheating issues are the result of improper ignition advance/retardation, easy fix. Check out Flathead Jack's website. He discusses this condition in pretty good detail.

I'm in the same boat with you. I have a 59AB flattie and a SBC 283 sitting in my garage right now. Both beconning me to put them in my AV8. Both need rebuilding. I love the traditional flavor, but economic realities have me leaning towards the Chebbie. The SBC can produce twice the power for half the price, still be reliable and have a classic look using traditional dress up items. Small blocks are far from being unique however, and have garnered a "cookie cutter powerplant reputation" in certain circles, thus the disadvantage in the coolness factor.

I'm going to hang on to my flattie for afuture project when I have the $$$ to do it right.