Schonye,
For the most part the L78 will beat the small block.....however....that is not always the case with the right, or some would say wrong person behind the wheel of the small block. If the small block has a 4.56, 4.88, or 5.13 gear and the owner/driver does not care about spending money on a regular basis the small block can be sent into the RPM stratosphere(providing it has solids), and get the big block. With the right hook up at launch the small block will jump far enough ahead that the rest of the quarter is all about catch up for the L78. Either the mouse will stand the pressure at the end ot the quarter or it wont. I have sent several balanced/blueprinted DZ motors through the traps at 9100, a sound that will stay with you for life. But, no small block should ever be discounted just because the neighbor has a noseheavy car.
Motown
P.S. Garage? Marlin, I thought your Deuce was sitting in a field?