Bob,
You should ask yourself what your purpose is for your truck. That will answer your question. All you'll get here is opinions (including mine)
. Consider:
Ease of working on it (simplicity)
Availability of parts
Cost (initial & down the road)
Performance
I'm sure I've left a few out. For me, I lean heavily on being inexpensive, and ease of working on it. I ended up with a straight 6, but yet a 292 (not the smaller one, as I understand it). I just picked it up Monday. I look under the hood and am amazed at HOW MUCH ROOM there is for me to get around. Also, the simplicity, VERY LITTLE WIRING to deal with under the hood.
Make your own requirements and that should point you to what route you'd be best taking. But most of all, I hope you have fun with it.
Rance
