It's precisely because of things like this that I'm having trouble deciding between an all-aluminum 496 wedge and an all-aluminum 426 3G hemi. The hemi is so much more efficient and Bouchillon says it makes 600hp.

I think the wedge would be cooler and I'd have more of a sense of accomplishment because I'd have to build it.

The 426 weighs 50-100 lbs less, gets better mileage, and is likely to be plenty enough fun to drive. It just costs a bit more.