Slant Six age and size?

There is no real difference between a 77 engine and a 72 engine. You shouldn't be disappointed.
jus sayin......
Well,that depends on what you are working on .A 77 has small spark plugs and a cast crank a 72 is forged and it is more similar to an early motor in looks.For someone restoring say a 65 slant six car these things are major issues . Not everyone is building a hot rod where this stuff doesn't matter.