newbie too

[Smiley 57]

Hello everyone,

This is my first visit here and I look forward to getting some insight from all of you experienced folks. I have a 57 GMC P/U that's all original and driveable. It's tired though, and needs to be restored to be really nice and fulfill my goals with it. Being a motor head, I bought it to make a rod and that's still the plan. I have a 350 4 bolt main block out of a circa 1979 truck. My plan was is do a 383 stroker using the block. Does anyone have any advice, do's and dont's or sourcing for parts? I also plan to use a manual 5 or 6 speed, any thoughts?

On another note, I would like to use the original frame, but change everything to modern equipment, i.e., disc brakes, air bag suspension, etc. Any suggestions for bolt on quality items?

Thanks,

Steve