I like the way the earlier one looks better but i've never heard any discussion on if one is better than the next.. Any thoughts guys? Thanks

The earlier pully has no damping ring for torsional vibration with it. Looking at the pics again I see rubber on the earlier one but you should still check for timing alignment and use the one that has the better surface for the crank seal.  Almost all modern V8's have such a damper including the later one in your picture.  The damping is the metal ring  isolated by the rubber from the rest of the the pully.   Before you put it on permanantly check that the timing pointer lines up with the timing marks on the metal ring with piston #1 at TDC. The ring can come loose from the rubber and slip around putting the marks out of "time".  With the age of these pieces the rubber often has gone bad and the damping ring will slip.  They are repaired for not too much $$.  Many people have used Damper Doctor.

The ’54-’56 damper uses a ½” wide belt while the ’57 and up damper uses a 3/8” wide belt.  The difference in size can be seen in the damper pulleys.  This can also be a determining factor in which damper to use.