Engine swap for a 68' Ranchero. Recommendations

Your car is more valuable with the stock engine. You will devalue your car with an incorrect engine.

If you care about originality get a Marti report.

I'd have the original engine rebuilt. But I'm a purist. I also agree that the vehicle is worth more with the original powertrain. The cost of rebuilding the original engine is comparable to the cost of a crate engine too. Beginning 1968 emission control standards went into effect for all 50 States, 1966 in California. Most States have chosen to exempt older models from Emissions Inspection but the standards are still there. Check with your local DMV if you're not sure about exemptions in your State. Hope that helps! Jim

You can hot rod the stock engine and get a lot more power if that is your goal. I might go with high performance after market heads but keep the original heads and intake for the next owner.