1989 R3500 blown head gasket and cracked head

[skycop530]

I purchased a truck a few months ago that I used to own in my early 20's. A 1989 R3500 crew cab dually. It's kind of a king without a country. It's a square body but with an engine setup of the late 80's body style change...TBI. So when I order body parts, I have to order pre 1987. With engine parts, I have to go with TBI. Ok to the point. I love this truck...but it was sent from the factory with an underpowered TBI 350. The good news is the head gasket blew and in the process cracked the head. So I can replace it for something with some testeeze. So, I have been racking my brain with what I'm going to replace the worn out 350 with. I thought about diesel...and that's the route I would really like to take...but I can't eat the cost at the moment . I really don't want to go all out 454 due to operating costs. What about the GM HT383? Has anyone put one of these engines in a TBI truck? I know they are meant for carb setups. Any other ideas from the savy engine swappers? I'm confused as to what would be the route to take...I've been my own worst enemy over analyzing this project. I live in TN so I don't have an emission test to pass. Just looking for ideas...