Difference between 454's

I have a 1978 454 in me 46 chevy truck and am in the process of puilling for rebuild or replacement. In case I have to replace it is there a difference between different year block/head dimensions? I think I have heard you guys talk about tall blocks. I cannot afford the extra size in the engine compartment.

all 454 are 9.800 this deck was use on car and small truck from 396up 454 and in boats up to 502 or crate engines .gm never made the 454 in the tall deck that was 10.200 deck they built the tall deck in 366 and 427