srt 10 truck engine
I read somewhere that the V10 was based on the LA block but don't know if that would ease things at all. I've got an all-iron V10 in my '95 Ram and the engine doesn't look all that much longer than a V8 but I've never measured it to know for sure.
I know the automatic tranny behind the V10 is quite a bit larger than a 727, but don't know about the manual.
Good luck if you decide to go ahead with this and keep us informed with pics. Could be a very interesting install.