I agree w/Grigg (Hello Grigg).
I had an '84 6.2 1/2ton truck a long time ago. I loved the truck and liked the mileage, but even for a light weight short bed, it was gutless. I hated the engine.
Grigg made a good point on the 6.5. Better performance and it has a turbo. Most of the 6.5/turbo trucks that I have been in are dogs as well. I know a guy that removed the electronic pump from a 6.5 and swapped in a mechanical pump from a 6.2 (w added fuel delivery). It ran respectable.
In all honesty. W/all the masses of Cummins trucks that have been produced over the years, that would be the better choice.
I purchased a complete 03 Cummins engine with tranny and electronics for $1500. With a simple programmer, it'll easily be good for 600+ ft.lbs. It'll eventually make it into my Longhorn.
The old Chevy/GM diesel combo would be cool, but it'll hardly be able to pull its self down the highway.
If you plan on doing any towing duties. Get something equipped w/a turbo.
