Daily driver small block build

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Sounds like either 5.9 or 5.2 magnum makes the most sense. Probably leaning towards the former but I'll keep my eyes peeled for both. Not having to bring the block to the machine shop would be great, which it sounds like is totally possible with a magnum. I'm not that concerned with gas mileage, 12 in the city would be tolerable.

Sounds like a 5.9 magnum with a small cam, thin headgasket and 650 holley would be about right. Already have a good exhaust system, and a ford 8.8 is the current project.