Lots of great information in this thread and the linked threads.
The goal is a solid running vehicle capable of DD duties and off road use. You've not met the goal if you are working on it every other weekend.
I'll mention a few things to keep in mind as you plan and commence your build
-CHEAP will come back and bite you on the ass, period. Do it once and do it right, short cuts will cost you money and time later.
-Reliability and Maintainability should be the goal. Design your build, every step, don't just throw parts at it and hope for the best. How many times have you worked on a vehicle and said
"Who's the idiot that designed this, I can't even get a wrench on it" Don't be that idiot!
-Most GM trans adapters work with a
2WD trans keep this in mind while shopping
-Do yourself a favor and replace the fuel system from tank to fuel rail, just do it
-Replace the radiator, starting with a fresh cooling system just makes sense. Consider hose placement when ordering and have them install a steam port. DO NOT DRILL AND TAP WATER PUMP HOUSING FOR STEAM PORT
-Replace knock sensors on Gen III motors, all sensors is also good. Replace gaskets on the motor, intake and valve cover at a minimum. The motor is on an engine stand, do the work now while it is easy. Who wants to replace a water pump 500 miles into a swap?
-Put the fuel pump in the tank
TANKS Inc. gas tanks for street rods, muscle cars, custom cars and trucks
-Upgrade the PS and trans coolers
-Draw out your wiring first, there is a lot of wiring going everywhere. Bundle and secure harnesses. It's not only better mechanically it looks a whole lot better as well.
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Triple your budget for the little things
The big thing is, the little things. There are a ton of them. Keep a log of some sort. I keep a running sheet on jobs in the shop, every time I think of something I write it on the list. The goal is to make the list shorter, that seems to only happen in the final days of the swap.
Think out ahead of yourself. If you want to clean up and paint things while you go you have to be prepping and painting parts days or longer before you'll use them. Plan plan plan
An LS/Vortec swap is a big job, well worth the effort. Take your time with it, enjoy the experience. If it gets frustrating, step back a bit. There is always something that needs de greasing or something