Rebuild 230, look for crate motor or go v8?

[sags]

Folks- new to the forum. At a crossroad and trying to figure out where I am going. Here's the deal- 1965 c10 SWB fleet side. 230 starting to burn oil. Owned for a year and a half. engine shop wants a ton on money to rebuild and add dual carbs. Don't have the tools to do myself. Is there a place that we'd be a better crate option? Or do I decide to cross over to the V8 side? Thoughts welcome on this one. I really like being different than others with the I6.