There are plenty of hotrods out there. Look to see what others have done, and copy what you like. I don't know anything about your apache, but I tend to lean more torward the stock look and appearance.
On my 1959 gmc 1/2 ton longbed, the original v8 was a pontiac v8 that was rated for about 200 hp. I replaced it with a 1959 pontiac 389 that I had bored and stroked to 447 inches. I used a 1957 pontiac tripower manifold I had sitting around. This motor was a direct bolt in replacement for the original motor. I built this motor for 325-350 HP, and a lot of low end torque. The factory rear which was totally rebuilt lived for about 30 miles behind this engine. The transmission is a NV4500 5 speed and the rear is now a floating 9 inch with the 6 lug hubs. I have 12 inch disc brakes on the original straight axle, and 11 inch disc in the rear.
I know what you are thinking... why didn't I use a camaro or mustang II front clip? My GMC had the very rare Power Steering option. I would not want to lose that. Also I use my truck as a truck. I don't believe the camaro/MII trucks are able to carry a load, but others might argue that point.
If your truck is restorable, you might want to restore it. there are plenty of hotrod trucks already built that can be had for shorter money than building one.
