LS Noob question

[CC69Rat]

Ok, .. I think I'm going to do it fellas.

I'm an old school hot rodder guy, I'm not totally green to building motors but I am pretty green to the LS based engines. I am considering one for my 70 GMC SWB. It will be dropped 4.5 / 6.5 and used for general daily and spirited driving. I have some friends in the local SCCA, so it could see some cones either here or GoodGuys, etc.

Overall cost wise, buildability (If that's even a word) and simplicity of the install for a noob, what's the ideal platform? What would be the easiest way to accomplish this? Example, find a GTO and pull everything. Harness, ECM, pedal, etc .. and it will bolt right in. Easy enough?

(I know it's not that easy)


I see various block IDs, what am I looking for? What's the ideal block to start with? What's the LSx block ? Is that like the 'old school' bowtie blocks?

Seriously, I'm just looking for help understanding and learning. I know nothing about this platform. If you have reading material, I'll gladly read it.

LS1, vs. LS2 for cost? Should I build one or get the 'Connect and Cruise' setup? What auto trans? What cam setup, etc. ? I know, .. use the search .. which I am, I promise. I have been reading for a while just looking for input. If you had $5,000 .. start with ___ block, etc .. thanks.