What is the baddest engine for a 1969 Camaro RS????

Ok I am quite the novice when it comes to engines and muscle cars. I just purchased my first classic/muscle car. I bought 1969 Camaro RS. Which I am planning on turning into the baddest 69 Camaro in SOCAL.  But first I need a little help and recommendations.  Ok I am looking to swap out this old crusty 350 that came stock with the car and was wondering what kind of engine I should put in and why. First I want a weekend driver, that if I pull up next to pretty anyride I could dust them into submission.  I am looking to spend 3000-5000. I was thinking a 454 crate Vortec, 383 crate, ZZ4, 502, a crate w/ RamJet?? whatchall think would be the best buy and why?  

A 572ci would get the job done but $5000 wont buy it.383 makes a nice street engine  

Keep the stock 350. just rebuild it with better parts(forged crank, h-beam rods and forged pistons). Especially since its your first classic. Keep it a numbers matching original. it will be worth more money. But like gettinlarge01 siad a 572 will be more than efficient to do as you wish but the engine alone is 13k maybe more. turning the current engine into a 383, will get you where you want to be within your intended budget.  

Chevman is right. Take your current engine and make it a 383. Good heads and cam with the engine built to match will make a good 400hp thats reliable  

build a solid 350 or 383 engine with a solid bottom end spray it.  Nitrous is chaeap power if you build your engine for it.  

400hp with a 125shot of NOS makes getting to the next redlight alot of fun  

and cheaper and easier than building 500 N/A HP!!  

and cheaper and easier than building 500 N/A HP!!  

Besides an honest 400hp engine in a car setup for it is a real fun cruiser. Its not much more to upgrade to good pieces during a build any way.  

for sure.  

I would recommend more bearing clearance on a NOS engine though.  

Use the stock 350 block, 8:1 comp forge pistons, forged H-beam rods, forged crank, twin T4 (ball bearing centers) turbos and a 6 speed.

As long as you have traction you're golden!

But I am partial to turbo's.

Jake  

hmmm...so most of ya'll suggest that I just keep this 350 in and beef it up. hmmm. Only thing that this camaro engine has quite the bit of miles on it pushin over 100k, also the 350 isnt the best looking motor.  I dont know if im hard headed but I really like this 454 (link below). the 454 is brand new and pushin over 500HP. as well as being a beautiful engine.  just want to know my best options. Yall think this 454 is a good buy or should i listen and just keep this 350 and build up?

http://tucson.craigslist.org/pts/1421057757.html  

if you don't mind a gas guzzler i say get a used 454, bore it over 60 and stroke it and you have a 496 RAT. the good news is you don't have to get all fancy to make power , all you will need is minimal work to the heads, 770+ carb , a good ignition system , 268 cam , 3 inch dual exhaust , dual plane intake , any roller rockers.

the 383 with 5 grand will be a screamer , but then again its most likely gonna be radical if its near the 500 hp mark.

either way both these engines will lay almost any exotic to rest if built with the right parts.  

i think its better to build ur own , you can put better quality parts in it! but it will cost more.

if you do buy that tho, make sure you get a crank for it lol 496!