Greetings from the wilds of Oregon

[Grimm76]

Hi:
New to forum, been wrenching on old Chevys for a while. Currently deciding what to do with my son's '76 pickup- broke 250 inline, bad head, cracked block, named "Grimm" because of the recent engine prognosis.

I am getting kind of attached to the idea of dropping in another 250 stovebolt- easier to replace, plus the son and heir is having a little too much fun with my '72 Chevelle (400.00 speeding ticket... ouch). I have found a parts locating network that has another 250 available a day away for $300, cleaned up and ready to drop in. seems to me that if I go get some SBC V-8, the nickle and dime stuff may make this a cost prohibited scenario. The reason I bought this truck was because a 250/granny 4-speed would get him down the road, easy to work on, and not exactly a tire shredder.

Comments and suggestions welcome as I decide which direction to go. Recommendations for integrated head vs. non-integrated head?

Thanks