3176 in machinery is a little different than the 3176 in trucks (with 100 mm tall Alum spacer under cylinder head, for weight savings)


There are improvements in that 1994 engine, but it still has some areas that weren't improved, until the C-10 / C-12 engines came out. (like cam gasket oil leak between front cover and Alum spacer deck) 

The 1994 engine uses a very common ECM, so it will be easier to get parts and sensors, verses the earlier engines (for the long run).
Heck, if you want a "personality module" for the earlier models, you have to call CAT and they have to make one (burn it) and then send it to the dealership =takes time. Now, the later model, with 40 pin ECM you can just "Flash" the current chip inside ECM; except really, really earlier 1994 models, then you just install a blank chip, and flash it with a CAT laptop, for the software that you need, or any updates. 



Now, if the price of the truck is really, really good and cheap; that would make a difference(on the decision) on an earlier model of 3176 in a truck, too.