I think it was Diesel World that did a Switch of putting a CR motor in a 2nd Gen Body. I didn't like the 3rd Gen bodys either but they grew on me and Im a Ford man. But whatever floats yor boat.

A Common Rail is still your best way to go.

 

The 53 block was in the early 99 modle trucks. these engins was produced for only a few months befor being corrected by cummins. to build a 500 hp truck it would be easy to start with a new common because of all the advancements made. u could stack a few boxes, add a bigger turbo and a set of injectors and easly make 500 hp.

 

It would be easyer, But would be more expensive getting a 03+ CR engine and harness to start off.

A 12v seems more of a user friendly engine. Any Ideas on what sort of milage a healthy 12v would get on the highway... any one here with a 450+ 12v, what milage do you get?