Thanks for all the input. For high torque I like that idea of a 383. I've not come across any 348's or 366's would stay with the 350 versus one of those. Were the truck 283's and 327's any different from what was put in the 1/2 ton pickups and cars? How about the 292's, any difference?
Going big block I'd be concerned with the challenge of a tight squeeze in the LCF short nose configuration.
Diesel? very cool but I think more of a project in time and cost than I want to take on right now.