Hey lostmy47,
Yeah, I'm trying to pick up as much info as I can about the best mods to make if I want to go that route. Optimally I'll stay as original as possible, but it sounds like swapping out the 216 for a 235 is a great modification to make if possible, as is perhaps a new tranny geared so as to allow for occasional highway speeds. I'm definitely looking at 3/4 tons as well. If you see or hear about anything in our neck of the woods -- Bay Area or even the central valley -- please do shoot me a note to let me know. Thanks again for the input, gents.
Best,
Nick