New to V8's. 340 or 383?

I had no idea people were still talking about this lol. Thanks for all the replies, now lets get it back on topic...

Here's an update with my situation. I've got a deal on the line for a complete 340 standard bore minus exhaust manifolds and carb/air cleaner for market value. If everything goes as planned, I should have it in a few weeks.

If you want to know exactly what I want out of the car, here is my idea. I already have a daily driver slant six car but I'd like to have a back up driver that's a little more fun to drive once in a while. I'd like it to get decent enough mileage to not make me think twice when I want to drive it for a week, but I'd like it to put me back in the seat when I feel like mashing the pedal down now and then.

I've never driven in a stock 340 car. From what I've read, the engines made about 275hp stock, correct? I'd like to keep it as stock as possible. What kind of mileage did these things get stock? What if I wanted 300hp instead of 275hp, is this a huge chunk of change? I know it costs money to go faster but I'm not wanting to build a race car here. I just want something that's comfortable to drive and can make me feel some G's every once in a while when I want to get on the pedal for fun.

I will admit I know nothing about building an engine so if/when the time comes for me to get it rebuilt, I will be solely depending on you guys for answers on what to do. I have a lot of researching to do but I'll by no means be an expert when the time comes to get work done.

I don't know what it is but I like 340's and I don't like 360's. I'm not interested in building a 360 to look like a 340 because I don't really care if other people think I have a 340 or not. It's not about fooling anyone or trying to look cool. I've just always heard such great things about 340's and I've always wanted one. Plus it helps the resale value if one day I decide to sell the car. If I have to spend $1000 more to build a 340, then that's no problem because the car will easily appreciate $1000 by just having the motor in there whether it's numbers matching or not. I just bought the car, so selling it hasn't even crossed my mind but you never know what will happen some day.