FWIW, you can put a little beef in a 350 and still depend on it. I’m running a 350 and a Saginaw 4 speed with a 3.35 rear end. This truck hauls a pretty good load easily and runs about 2800 RPM at 70 MPH.
Engine specs are - 350 bored .030 over, flat top pistons, 64 cc double hump heads (194 intake, 160 ex), full roller rockers, comp 286 magnum cam, holley 650, Edlebrock RPM Air Gap intake.
I built this engine in 2006 and haven’t had one problem since. It starts every time, hot or cold and I’d trust it to drive to Alaska if needed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/Avette4me/My%2058/old%20dogs%20work/Pullingthevette.jpg 
