i use to get the crap all the time about my goat having a big block chebby in it. but i do what i want and to hell with any one. i work on all engines but i like my chevys BUT i like cheap power and i think the chevy has that and really hold up good with out not much work BUT the best small block i would think is the ls1or6 and that is what i would put in it this would not be cheap but if you add it all up i think in the long run it would not be that much more if you buy a wreck or find a new ford muskrat that was hit try that