Dream build

I currently have a lifted 1500 and want something that will have people staring as I blow past them. A new ram with the 6.4 or diesel is just out of my price range. That got me thinking why not buy a wrecked ram at an insurance auction and just use the drive terrain to rebuild a 80-85 club cab. I am at the very early stage of getting this project started.
Here are the couple hold ups I have already come across:
1. What motor should I use. I can probably pic up a 04-08 totaled ram with a 5.7 (50000 miles). Or I can go diesel (never owned or worked with). So my issue here is should I try to mess with learning what to do with diesel or stick with what I know and use the 5.7 and beef it up.
2. Locating a club cab in that year. I just need to find a cab 80-85 that's in decent shape. Hoods fenders and beds are simple to find, just can't locate a cab. I think I can also look for a 72-79 and replace the doors and it will look like the 80-85.

if the truck is going to be a toy you are probably better off just going with a gas. police in general are starting to crack down on the idiots that roll coal in their diesel trucks. just sticking something that new in a old truck can be a an expensive and electrical nightmare. i am pretty sure the only 5.7 i have seen in a first gen was a 2wd.

if you wanted something cool you could possibly look for a viper v10. as far as i know the engine nearly bolts right into the engine mounts with a little modification to the drivers side motor mounts. i know if i had $5000 less than a year ago i could have had a viper v10 and wiring harness.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151468298624025.1073741825.374968514024&type=1

i was looking more to build as my main vehicle. i want to get rid on my 03 and dont want to pay for a brand new ram when i think i can build one for $15-20k.