looking for 360

I really don't know what is available to you on the left coast as over here on the right cost I have 1 - 318
Engine, 2 - 360 blocks, 3 - 340 blocks collecting dust.

IMO, "The Best" anything is somewhat objective. It come from the school of hard knocks and no dang money.
LMAO!!!!

Knowing what I know now to answer your question, LAMO, that's easy,

360, LA or 5.9. The differences are small and not worth splitting hairs over at all. You just have to be aware of them. And then build accordingly.

Someone will for sure! Pop in and argue for 1 while the next person in line will argue for the other. Don't bother. Get one and go for it.

Now, again, as before, since I read drive to school and be reliable, find a running 5.9. Even better if you find it in a 2 wheel drive truck as to pirate the OD trans. Because with the OD trans, you can back off the cam timing and run quick while still getting some decent mileage.

It's a no brainer for me here.
That's what I would do in an instant.