Bench racing diesel ideas....

Yeah, I've done a couple of searches on my local craigslist, and I found a few suitable donors, as in under $3000-$4000. I think this is a reasonable price from the research I've done.

That is, if I decide to go diesel, putting a turbo on the original motor had piqued my curiosity....

I like forced induction on these old motors. A little boost forces the less efficient intake design to breath much better. I've got an Eaton M62 and EFI on a Flathead V8. The rpm is computer limited to 4500. The engine management system is TEC3r. It is interesting reading, Google it. BTW, just for something to think about, this Flathead V8, with the engine preparation, EFI, related fuel supply system, intercooler, custom exhaust and cooling system was about $12,000. It might be possible to do something less expensive, that will be the challenge.
My Dad used to say, "There is no free lunch ".