The only reason the "Stovebolt" era trucks didn't come with small or big blocks is, they weren't available yet. The V-8 engine is progress, replacing the weaker 6 cylinders. I understand the affection for the days of old but it's just that, old. I walk on both sides of the fence with having 6's and 8's. The truck that I built to actually work has a V-8 in it and nobody can tell me that a 6 cylinder truck of the same age and size is just as good, I have both.
If you want to race, I could put less money into a small block as one could put in an inline and end up with twice the engine.
I just don't understand why people are down on the V-8's. They do there job and do it well. They can't be all bad if they are still being produced after 50 years.
Let the arguing begin,
Scott
