Small vs Big Block - - - Opinion Wanted

[ChevLoRay]

My '69 SWB C-10 Custom, with A/C, P/S, P/B, etc., still has the original 350 block, but later heads. Number 2 cylinder will oil foul the plug, over some indeterminate period of time. All other plugs will be nice and clean, i.e., no unusual coloration.

So, I'm looking at rebuilding it (at least the second rebuild on the block), or replacing it with a crate engine (like one with Vortec heads) OR getting a big block, either a 402 or 454. I have a Turbo 400 and stock rear gears, with a lowered (2.5/4.0) drop and disc conversion. I'm gonna have to spend some bucks, and I will have some downtime to do the engine when I start disassembling the truck to get it ready to paint.

So, what would YOU do?

Oh, money does matter.....my kids made sure I don't have a whole lot of it left to spend on me. However, I have told my wife that I will have as much in the '69 when it is finished, as it would cost to get a new one. The way prices are on new ones, my target price keeps moving up!