[shifty]

It is a lot, but it will only overwhelm you if you let it. If you get overwhelmed, you're going to blow way more cash than you need!

Best thing to do is assess what you got and go from there. Draw out a logical path (flowchart-like), with most important questions asked first and least important asked last.

There are a few basic things to think about: Which tranny to use? Carbed or EFI? Which motor mounts and tranny mount? The rest is just the same as any other engine, I feel.

Example: You've currently got a T350 and a GenIII engine.

Will they bolt together w/o adapters?
If yes, proceed. If you find out that they won't, determine how to adapt them and the tally cost; if cost too high, consider another tranny like the 700R4, which is a non-electronic version of the 4l60e.

Result: Engine and tranny are mated.

Will I go carb'd or use stock computer? This will decide what electronics you choose.
If stock computer, do I hack my own harness or buy one, and who will tune my computer? If carb'd, what ignition controller should I use?

Result: Fuel source is determined, and you have all electronics required to generate spark (harness, computer, tuning).

Now that I have an engine that will run AND a tranny mated to it, how do I get it in the truck? This is where motor mounts and tranny mount come in.

Does my tranny mount have a single bolt mount or a two-bolt mount? If my truck is a 3spd, I need to cut out the 3spd tranny crossmember; if it's automatic, do I want to use the stock tranny crossmember or get the nice tubular one from Classic Performance Products which is super easy to bolt up? Which motor mount plates do I buy, and does it really matter which adapter plates I use? (if you have mount stands already, plates are the cheapest solution)

Result: You have mounts and can install the engine/tranny combo.

Once installed, will the stock driveshaft work, and does the driveshaft yoke I have work with the tranny I'm using? (test fit it!) If not, with the proper yoke sticking out of the tranny tailshaft approximately 1-2", what is the measure from the center of the u-joint hole to the center of the mid-u-joint hole on the gearbox so I can get a driveshaft fabbed up at a local shop?

Result: Tranny is mated to the gearbox, just need to figure out tranny linkage.

How will I deliver fuel to the engine, external pump or in-tank pump? Stock tank or aftermarket? Do I need a return line or a fuel pressure regulator? How will I adapt the fuel line to the fuel rail and/or carb? How will the fuel pump get power? If you use stock tank, you need external pump. If you go aftermarket, you can choose either internal or external. Make sure you know the gallons per hour required by the engine and also the fuel pressure required (for EFI, it's ~50psi fuel pressure to the rail).

Result: Fuel line is installed and goes from tank to engine.

From this point on, it's just small details - electrical wiring? - coolant hoses/radiator? - electric fans or not?

You know, I think it's like skydiving. You can sit in the plane overwhelmed by what is sitting in front of you, or you can jump out and enjoy it, possibly crap your pants, but have a good time while doing it.

The important part is to NOT get ovewhelmed, and don't overanalyze.

This is my experience. Everyone's is different.

Oh - and another thing - is GVOD really necessary? GenIII engine is just like any other SBC, in fact, it IS a SBC, so ... don't be overly worried about fuel economy. You can always go with lighter gears in the rear, or just use a tranny from the getgo that has overdrive already on it.