Hi Nathan, welcome to the forum. I'll let some of the guys on here who really know engines talk to you about higher output crate engines because I have never really looked into those. However, let's talk about the swap itself and some basics you should think about.

First off, you cite a budget of $ 6000, that is pretty good and should enable you to do some nice things. But the first thing you have to answer is, do you want to put $6000 into this particular vehicle? That is not a negative question from me, I am just curious whether you intend on keeping this one long enough to make that investment in it worthwhile,and whether it will increase the value of that truck by that amount.

We all dump more money in our cars than they are ultimately worth for various reasons. Maybe you are sentimentally attached to your truck, maybe you have spent tons of money on cosmetics already, etc. Only you can make that determination. Sometimes it is better to sell one vehicle and put that money and the $ 6000 into something that is a better candidate for spending future money on. There are times when your head has to rule your heart.

Post some pictures of the truck and that will give us a better idea of how to direct you.

Don