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Re: Best late model engine for conversion?
With a 3k Budget you could easily do a 4.8 swap (not to be confused with the 4.3, which is a V6, and while entire possible, not a swap I would spend my $$ on).
Look for a complete 4.8/4L60E pull out with harness and PCM, they will go for $800-1500 and up depending on mileage, location, what they're in... etc. There is a ton of info on the swap (there's an entire LSx swap forum on this site and countless others) and to oversimplify, it's a few ignition hot wires, grounds, and figuring out the fuel delivery/cooling/exhaust and you're rolling. The more parts you get with the take out, the better. I personally plan to buy a running vehicle for the swap, I can part the truck out and get a bit of the cost covered, plus I know it runs and drives. There are a LOT of running and driving 1999 and newer trucks and vans for $3k and under if that's the route you take.
The EFI in my opinion is the main advantage to the swap, going carb will negate most of the fuel mileage advantage and the retrofit carb set ups are pretty spendy in and of themselves. Stick with the donor vehicle's EFI if at all possible.
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