Yep, I love big blocks..my 75 C-15 shortstep is an original 454 truck. But Id definetly consider staying small block. by the time your done buying & or building the engine & getting the brackets & pulleys & hardware etc. for the big block...coulda built just as strongsmall block for the money.
Dont get me wrong, 350 HP is a piece of cake from a stock bottom 454 & tons of torque. all at low RPMs....unless you build a big inch small block(not cheap ) youll have to buzz it a bit higher. but still, id just go with a hyd. roller 350 with some good compression& heads.