i to went threw this same thing when it came time to build my mud truck, granted it is just a mun truck and not being used for anything else. it happened to run across a mexican block 302 and that is what determaned which engine to go with. i am really happy with the 302 i have and it produces more than enough power, but i got lucky. i guess it all depends on the person as to which motor they go with. as for me i love my 302 and when people come over and ask me what is under the hood i think i shock all of them when i tell them it is a 302,,,lol