Their's nothing quite like a "Small Block "
They are strong/reliable/after market parts are endless and of course smaller then the b/block if you are doing engine swaps to small cars.
If your looking for raw grunt for the 1/4mile the b/block is the way to go.......if you can afford an all alloy 500+ big block to cut down on the weight of a cast iron b/b to get you E.T's down.
If it was me....a nicely worked s/b can give you the H.P you want.