[hugger6933]

Welcome to the site great people and info here, if planning on doing a motor swap later don't spend a dime to upgrade the drivetrain you have now. The 4.3's are good motors just underpowered for this application. next, to do the"hd" hood as you are calling it, it takes a different group of parts. the best way out there is to go with a 06-07 hood grille set up to get the taller hood look that you are going for. I build these trucks from wrecks as a living and have done quite a bunch of them. The 5.3 is a simple swap as the cab and dash wiring will work and the computer is the same just needing a reflash. Good luck. ps, if you are driving a lot think of a 4.8 in the v-8 swap it will give you the v-8 power your looking for when reflashed and also more gas mileage as well the the 4.3. Jim