hard to beat an eagle 5.7 from a truck, its got the best intake, almost the best heads, decent compression, the pistons are stronger than the earlier one, rods are slightly better, if you don't like VVT (I like it) then it is easy to lock out, if you like MDS (I like it) get one from a 1500 if you dont get one from a 2500 3500 or just leave the solenoids in and don't worry about it. The 6.4 apache cam is a real nice, easy upgrade. Short of coughing up the big bucks for a 6.4 apache or 6.4 BGE and upgradeing the cam with the apache, this is about the easiest cheapest route to big power.