[jmcarter]

If you decide to put the regular tubs back in you might consider the 327 two barrel combination; Sorensen has proven it to be potent and can hold it's own in heads up runs. If you jump up to the 396 you're going to be spending a lot of $ any way you go. Don't necessarily think one of the GT classes would be a bad deal, lots of people have GT cars that don't spin the high RPM which makes SS more costly. Factors in favor of SS is any GM motor will work (Dave Barcelon's 327 Larry Stewart built motor for sale sounds like a good buy BTW, particularly if you can fit enough tire) and can use trans brake and electric/air shifter. Only you can decide the budget and how fast you want to go; just trying to help a former crate motor racer make the switch. Good luck