Decisions on my cst

[bd blk 12v]

Hello guys. I have need some help and encouragement. I have a 1969 cst long bed 2wd I've owned for 10 years. I've always loved the 67-72 trucks. This one I drove while I lived in Colorado for about a year. Then fail happened. The tired 350 just gave me too many problems. It ran great wasn't fast and got horrible mileage. The real issue was the block starter mounting hole cracked. The starter would not start the truck. I tried lots of farm tricks with no answer. I moved from Colorado to New Mexico and brought the truck with me. I've always lusted at building a clone dz302. I never got the chance. I have a set of 186 camel hump heads but lost interest. A friend of mine has a shop and had a 350hp 396 l34 from a 68 chevelle. He got it on trade and I heard it run. I bought it from him and planned on installing it in the truck. Life happened had kids and the truck has been distant in my mind. I did get a small start on the 396. Installed a comp 292 cam Harland sharp roller rockers and headers. Set the engine in the truck and it been waiting to be finished. I'm 32 and just purchased a house. The truck has been staying at my brothers 45 miles away. I have a complete ls 5.3 and can't decide what to do. Should I finish the 396 and drive it, or ls 5.3 the truck? Thanks for the help