Should I go Big block or Small block?

Let me start by saying that this weight issue, between the BB and SB, in an A body is most of time a load of crap. Sure if you take a complete Motor home 440 with it's heavy manifolds and starter and transplant it you're going to need 2" torsion bars to handle it, but very few builders go that route, hell why bother. By the time you bolt on an aluminum intake, aluminim water pump, a mini starter that weights half of the stock boat anchor, headers and fiberglass hood you've just shed 100#'s off the nose. Add aluminum heads and it's 150#'s.
The build that hasn't been talked about enough here is a stroked 400 to 452 (400 with a 440 crank). The engine bay fit is easier, you keep the power steering and brakes and you get a good handling/revving torque monster. Whether you build up a SB or BB you're stuck with cooling upgrades, good solid tranny with kit, possibley a shortened drive shaft for the 8 3/4" and discs up front if you don't already have them and subframe connectors so therefore everything not including the engine is a wash. I run manual KH factory discs and big rear drums with no stopping problems even when you got a brake happy SOB in front of ya. My biggest problem is when you plant her keeping the darling straight what with all the crap on the highway left over from winter but that's where feel comes in.8)8)