Where to start

I am confused on where to start. Just recently I was told that I needed to start with choosing a cam.......the first step.

I am now back to working on trying to get one of the cam manuf. reps to work with me but so far I have been told by various companies that I needed to know all sorts of internal engine stats before they could recomend a cam. Things like compression, head chamber size ect. I feel like I am chasing my tail.

Here below is my story at this point.

I have a 1986 W-100 ( 4 wheel drive ) Dodge truck with a N.P 435 trans ( manual ) and 3.55 gears. Am currently running 33s but may go with 35s.

It is powered by its original slant six engine. I searched for a long time for a truck with this drivetrain combination. Pictures of the trucks restoration can be seen here http://ramchargercentral.com/vehicle-help/1986-dodge/msg1867195/#msg1867195

I am a bodyman of roughly 30 years by trade.

I had the engine re-built, .040 over on the cylinders, stock cam, head gone thru and shaved a bit for better compression. Stock one barrel 1945 carb.

Machinist used cheap off the shelf engine kit, ( that was my second mistake ) I believe he didnt get it timed right when he assembled so truck still has never run correctly.

It currently has approx 18 miles on its re-built engine.

I am in the middle of going thru the engine again. The engine is still in the truck and I do not want nor see any reason to remove it at this point but what I would like to do is up-grade the bolt on items.

So far I have collected an entire Super six set-up, a Rollermaster double roller timing chain, a NOS Super six dist and valves that are a bit larger over stock along with new 340 valve springs that I may or may not use.

I am very eager to do some head work, intake/exhaust manifold work to optimize flow.

I am looking for some guidance on how to approach the build. I do not want to be regretful that I could have done something now while it is apart again.

I am not trying to build a speed demon, I would like the option of it being a daily driver but at this point its just a toy.

I would like to maximize the engines efficiency, I would like to WOW people when I open the hood in that the little slant six operated so well.

I would like great fuel economy considering what I am pushing along.

I would like to retain a stock appearance, I like original stuff, I am not interested in fuel injection, HEI or turbos or anything of that kind for this build.

I have several slants and I plan to explore all of those things with my next build.

I dont know where to start, I have alot of differemt opinions, I dont want to start in the middle and again be regretful cause I made a decision now which limits a decision that I had the option of making later on if that makes sense.

I am hoping someone can say start here and then move onto here and so on.

I have purchased a second truck just cause it had a slant in it and it is being used as a test-bed. It is low to the ground and scratching the paint is not an issue.

Anything I put on this truck can be taken off and run on my 86 once I have everything dialed in ( especially my skills/knowledge)

Suggestions welcome on how to proceed and why would be appreciated. The why is important cause I am getting so many different opinions off and on-line and Id like to make my own decision based on sound judgement, not just cause someone told me so.

Thank-you for your time