ok back to the original question......
I like the pre-1985 small blocks, as they have the cheapest parts (price, not quality) and the most abundance of parts. I cream my pants every time i get my JEGS or Summit catalogue because there are sooo many parts for my engine in there. ( I run a 350 in my truck). Not to say that imports are bad if you are into that sort of thing as you can get good performance while still maintian some shred of fuel economy. However with people driving trucks with built engines such as mine down the highway, I would rather go fast in 3800 pounds of steel than 2500 pounds of plastic....i just feel safer
it also depends on what kind of performance you want. If you want something that handle well and is quick, a Nova with a 400 hp 383 smallblock probably isnt your best option. However if you just want something to embarras that one douchebag in front of his hot girlfriend at the stoplight in a haze of tiresmoke, (which is what i enjoy doing) get yourself a big old car with an even bigger engine and you will be laying rubber in the cheapest way possible