I have already offered my opinion earlier in this thread. If the cubic inch spread was greater, say 40-50 rather than 23, then I would go for the BB every time. But 23 isn't much, & I think the individual traits of each engine need to be considered, along with & most important, the intended use. The OP wants a mild driver; that means limited rpm.
The shorter rod/stroke ratio of the 360 favours low end tq & will likely equal the 383 even though it is down 23 cubes. All in a lighter & easier to install package. The 383 Chevs seem to punch above their weight & they are a 350 with a 1/4" longer stroke. Similarly, the 408 Mopar. Another stroked engine. Both have shorter rod/stroke ratios.
My Motors Manual covers 1973-78 models. The performance 360/4 bbl had a 320 ft/lb tq rating. The highest I could find for the 383 [ actually 400 by then ] was 330 ft/lb in 1974. So the 360 was down 10 ft/lb against the 400, which has 17 more cubes that the 383 & the 400 has 40 cubes more than the 360. There is a good chance that had the 383 still been in production, the 360 might have beaten the 383 in tq, or certainly equalled it.
