the other thing to consider is flat tappet cams are really hard to break in right these days. they took something out of oil, cant remember, but you have to use an additive. my engine builder says a lot of his cam suppliers will not warranty flat tappet cams. roller is easier and way better. you can get roller engines out of u pull it yards really cheap.
Picked up my running driving 96 E350 351W equipped van for $800. After parting it out and scraping it, I ended up paying $65 for the engine. The engine had between .008 and .009 thousands of wear. I also kept all the EFI parts as well. Those big vans are Speed Density OBD I (even the 96's are OBD I Mine had the OBD II port but it wasn't active) which you could run with the van ECU but I'm converting it Speed Density for better performance running a 95 Mustang ECU. Got the complete upper intake system off a 96 Explorer for $35 at the junk yard.
The van front dress will fit but you will have to run an electrical fan and move the upper radiator mounts to the outside of the core support or run the Explorer front dress. If you run a GT-40 lower, you will need more than a 1 inch BL for things to clear. The TP sensor on the throttle body hit the hood with a 1 inch BL. I plan on just adding a hood scoop to solve the hood issue. I don't think there is a problem if you run the BC adaptor and truck/van 351W lower.
Tim
You guys have all the luck. I hope something like that comes my way!
Thanks!