New to this site. Frick.....lost already.

[Calamity Jane 69]

My name is Rita and I live in Whitehorse, Yukon in Canada. Just purchased a running, driving 69 C10 4x4 last year. Decided I am going to restore "Calamity Jane" to her original beauty. She has I believe a 4sp "Bull Low" transmission with a very tired 350. End result is a 5-6" lift with a new paint job...new engine...full restoration. Rear cross sills, rocker panels and rear inner fenders rotted out. I need advice on best torque for an engine. Shes 4x4 so I don't need top end speed. I like my 454's but there are other options too. I work in a diesel performace shop so I can get a good discount on a crate GM engine. Any advice on a nice low rumble exhaust for her? I hate the high pitch brappy sounding exhausts. Also a good lift kit for this thing. Going to have a semi gloss "pearl" black and red scheme, same as my 2007 Yamaha VMAX streetbike. Speedo doesn't work...found cable was disconnected, reconnected and still didn't work. Assuming the plastic gear in tcase is stripped. Any words of wisdom are appreciated!