Since you are starting out, and having to learn as you go, why not learn something OTHER than a chevy 350? I just get bored to tears when it comes to them. True, they are a great, strong popular engine that can be put in anything.
But why not do something original? Juice up an old 6 cyl? try a 283 or 455 olds, 400 smallblock chevy, Caddy 500, Hell, try a Diesel!
Build something that people, will say "Wow" to. Thats the reason you want an old truck in the first place. Originality is everything.
350's are everywhere and booooooring.
Thats my opinionated .02 cents.
