On he other hand, the alternator would be up out of the mud...
ehall has it nailed. You would also need to use the distributor from your 97 as the 00 inly has a Camshaft Position Sensor and uses coil packs. Personally, If I ever built a Stroker, I'll use the late model block precisely to get the accessories moved. It would also leave a space (where our alternators currently live) to add another Sanden for OBA. Mounting a larger capacity alternator would be easier as well. Something to think about...
BTW, going all electric is not a bad idea at all.