10 years in the planning and finances. I'm the second owner. I got her in 2004 with 170,000 on it. Now has 331,000. She's a California car and has only 2 small spots of rust in one rear wheel well. She was clear coated and under coated by the first owner. My 4 year search for her really paid off. The engine rear main seal can't be replaced any more and the crank wobbles visibly so..... Rebuilt '97 5.7L Vortec TBI and 700R4 transmission going in. Heavy OME suspension and 3" lift going under. Procomp 31s. I have ridden her into the ground literally and she's never ever failed me even in places I shouldn't have gone but I just can't bear to part with her. She's my transportation, my recreation (since becoming disabled), and even my sometime camping shelter. I spend 30+ days a year offroading on rough ranch roads, rock creek beds, mud mud mud and more mud, etc. but no Rubicon stuff. Engine is out as of yesterday and the 5.7 goes to the rebuilder Monday. Transmission goes in to the rebuilder and AA T.C. adapter kit also on Tuesday. We tear out the suspension by Wed. when the OME kit should be here. I've read nearly every thread on SBC conversions on iHMud and I thank everybody for the great posts on the transplants they've done. If anyone's interested in a running complete 3FE and A440 PM me. I'll be parting out engine and transmission peripherals (all recent upgrades to radiator, alternator, belts etc.) Thanks for all your info it's been very very helpful. Dave