well a 318/360 won't get out of it's own way compared to a 5.7/6.4. 5.2/5.9 conjurs up thoughts of blown plenum gaskets, cracked heads, bad mpg and lethargic performance at best (in magnum form). Carb form you just have to look at the trucks they're in.... Hemi's not a bad mill to work on. They definitely come in much nicer packages. I think the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. I've seen bunches of old pickups with 5.7's pushing 250K miles.