Well if you dont want to plunk down the dough for a diesel then you might want to consider the small block. Parts for a big block are always more than a small block both new and used. Small block chevy parts are everywhere and cheap. I would hazard to say the cheapest of any make--chevy ford or dodge.

That said if I had to do it all over I would have just waited until I found a 6.5 diesel and just done it. There are alot of surplus trucks/blazers with the 6.5 automatic trans and mated transfer case out there. I got a great deal on my engine out of a wrecked camaro and I'm way too far in to it to turn back now.

Just something to think on