[Hooligan]

Excellent advice guys, I thank you for all your input. The reason I was tempted was a near new 2010 4.3 235 hp for sale for short money... sort of thought I could save some weight and also put a larger hp motor in than the stock from factory and be in good shape.

Not worth the risk i guess, huh.

So the lesson taught is that should settle for a slightly older 305 or 350, preferably the 350 from what I have read above. Naturally the 350 seems a better choice than the 305 because of the near identical weights yet differing horsepowers?

Great to see you guys are willing to share from both your successes and mistakes. Thumbs up. As usual, this site is a great group and I'm glad you let me be a part.

Thanks,

Hooligan