Most of us build on a budget and can't afford the exotic stuff. After all, I have several trucks to maintain. We are after the most bang for the buck and the small block Chevy is the answer. I don't build to impress anyone, I could care less what anyone thinks of my trucks. I just want them on the road and being used as they were intended. My "different" powered truck has a 454 in it. It's still not as cheap to buy parts for but it's a close second.
There's my opinion, right or wrong,
Scott