LS3 or LS1, Carb or EFI, 6spd MT or 700R4?

[a1960apache]

Thanks for the response, I am all over the place but have been doing some reading, $12,169k is my max budget but $6-8k is probably enough for what I need. I am pretty much set on the set up that looks like the one in the Street Rodder pick in orange with the Chevrolet Script valve covers. It also looks like the coils are mounted somewhere low and the wires run under the headers, I would be worried about heat issues. But that looks clean enough but for reliability, the plastic Corvette covers would be fine in flat black.

I would really also prefer a 6 speed MT if it fits in my $6-8k budget or even a 5 speed MT is fine. I see the Wilwood setup and it looks easy enough.

Your right about the motors, I guess I need to read up on that more, I am assuming a long block LQ9 is similar to the LS3 etc, without having to use the huge intake that I keep seeing on the LQ9, which I want to avoid like the one in the pic. Here is one I found and wondered if anyone has dealt with them? http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-6-0-LQ...-/251917517395 I would rather spend a bit more for one that has had a quality rebuild so I don't have to take it out later or even the extra for a new long block. Also I think it is worth spending a bit on new A/C compressor, Alternator and a decent looking drive system that doesn't look so bulky as some of the factory stuff so any good ideas or input on that would be great. Holley has a decent system, but really the only brackets that show are the A/C and alternator.

I am also pretty sure I don't need a 430+hp Vette motor without any traction control and little weight over the rear wheels with a shortbed stepside to end up in a ditch ha!! A cool sounding cam and I would be happy if that is possible and the smaller motor would hopefully be better on fuel, not that it is a huge issue or difference, but I plan to drive it a lot and keep it a long time.

So I think finding all this within the $6k budget should be realistic. Can anyone recommend a place to find good rebuilt stuff? I have been looking at Gashufferhotrods.com, but it seems like other than the used stuff, the rebuilt stuff isn't all that much cheaper than an all new. I would rather spend the $12,169 and not be dealing with poor rebuilt stuff or being stranded on the side of the road at 11pm after a car show on a Saturday Night. But I also don't want to pay for stuff I won't use like intake, exhaust, computer stuff! I see a lot of swaps using a used take out engine, and then having to spend money on a Holley type computer, drive pulleys and brackets and headers etc if that makes sense. So maybe buying a long block LQ4 etc and just adding what I need might be a good route.