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300 i-6 is my favorite by far. I had one in my first truck. I thought it was bulletproof until the guy I sold it to "let" the lifters go bad and it took a plunge. I'd love to see Ford bring the 300 back, not likely, but still wishin'.
I'd have to go 360 / 390 FE. There's just so many different ways to build them. A very versatile and strong motor. A great place to start with any engine project IMO.
They might cost a bit more for some parts, but you are rewarded with a very strong crank, set of rods, deep-skirt block, shaft mounted rockers, good flowing heads, and quench heads to resist pinging. All in a package that weighs 100lbs less than a 460. With aluminum heads and intake, you're down to around 351W weight.