Well, I don't know about the other guys but I'm happily putting an LS in my '55.2 big window truck. It's a stock re-ringed, new main, rod & cam bearings, new head bolts, etc LQ4/l485e transmission.
Here's a picture when it was mocked up:
As you can see I am using a Holley intake and throttle body that will give the appearance of a carbureted engine though the fuel rails will be fully visible. The coils will be mounted on the frame and not be visible - unless youre looking for them. I won't be "fooling" anyone, I'll be pleasing myself with the look.
I may be unusual in that I am building ONE truck. Not a succession of projects. This is intended to be my daily driver retirement vehicle. I want it to start reliably in any weather, anywhere. Give excellent mileage, etc. if i were worried about what other guys thought i wouldn't have put in Corvette C4 IFS, a Mustang (eek, Ford?!) 8.8 rearend and a few other things.