Why do I want an LS motor?

[bohmankid]

If you go LS, keep the fuel injection. The fuel injection is what makes it all worth it, in my opinion. I did my 5.3 swap for $2k and have seen people do it for a lot cheaper than that. Just do your research. I used my stock th400 and transfer case as well, works good. Also, my interior is completely stock, even the gage cluster. I was getting 7 mpg with my old 3/4 ton, TBI motor, 4.10 gears, and 33 inch tires. Now with the 5.3 I got that up to 14-15 mpg. If I put an overdrive trans in it I would expect it to be even better. So everything you want is possible.
Personally, I think LS swaps will date your car because there is much bigger and better technology coming out all the time. But they are SUCH great motors for a great price with tons of aftermarket support for easy modding.
I'm in the middle of another LS swap right now. You're welcome to check out my build threads linked in my sig, but there are a ton of threads on here with a lot more info.