[DHARROD]

I have a friend that currently has a 427 in his 69 Chevelle. It is an "old school" set-up to get the HP. It has 12:1 compression and more or less has to run on racing fuel. It has a more radical cam from what I can tell. For him it doesn't have enough HP/TQ and he doesn't want to tear into it as it is a solid motor in its own right. Any ways .. he's ready to sell it and by another big-block. This weekend I'll be working to get pictures and get it on craigslist and ebay - once its sold he'll be looking to have another one on the way.
He indicates he's willing to spend 12-13K and is looking at the 572 GM and Merlin 540 set ups. This community seams to be on the leading edge and I believe many of you may have experience and valid recommendations on what you would and would not do. (i.e. which engine to buy) I don't believe he'll ever drag it .. however I think he'll burn the hell out of the tires every chance he gets to show off. I think he wants to stay with something that is carborated (not FI, not turbo'd, no juice).
So for an A-body car what would you recommend. He/I live in Raleigh North Carolina area.