noob to ls swap questions

[72kool]

i have been here long enough to know that the information is here somewhere if i can find it.. the problem comes when i realize my mind does not have the capacity to retain the information that i have read.

I am looking at my options for an engine in my '72 gmc c20. it has the stock 350 in it now. It has 70000 miles on it and runs good, but leaks pretty good. Originally i had decided to pull it out, yank the top end off and put on some vortec heads and cam swap. problem there is that i have done this long enough to know its not that simple and will end up doing more than that. a fear i have also is that i wont be happy enough with the end result in a few years.

i have thrown out the idea of an ls in the past because i like the simple old engines. cheap to repair and no stupid sensors and computers...until now.

i got top really drive a truck with 6.0 and man i want that power. add that to the fact that i need to make my truck a dd and it has alot of appeal. also i have looked around and seems that the cost to swap an ls and to build the 350 i have could be the same or a little more for an ls but with a bigger reward. i have a very limited budget so every penny counts and want to go about this well thought out and planned to help keep the cost low.


so here is where i am at now and need help.

i have read alot, lots, of threads and articles. this is what i know.
a 5.3 will work just fine for my needs and will have the power and economy to be happy with. i also have a lead on one local that comes with wiring and computer. its an 5.3 from a 2004 truck. no transmission though.

I know that i want to run a carb on this and not fi. i have sen the arguments and reasons from both sides and i just want the carb for my truck. i know that i can get kits and the seperate parts to convert it to a carb. msd 6010 controller and edelbrock victor jr intake.

questions i have are,

1= where can i buy a stock fuel tank that has the return line fitting? i have seen them, not where to buy one.

2= what transmission is my best budget choice? i have a built th350 and heard i can run it with a flywheel spacer. but i wont get the best performance from the ls. what is the best way to go?

3= i do not want to mess with alot of tuning. comes down to budget. this is why the carb is best for me. can i use my really good stock quadrajet? runs great and i know i can adjust it to my needs. will it be effective on an ls?

i should state my goals for this engine, stock setup for a great dd truck and put a smile in my face when i floor it.


4=do i have to get different exhaust manifolds? can i use the ones on the engine? again cost comes down to it and if need be what jy part can i use? i know tbss fit good but they are not lying around in the jy. cheapest option?

5= easier to use my gauges and convert the fittings to work with the originals in the truck or cheaper to buy a new set from somewhere like dakota digital?

these are some of the questions in my head right now and i am sure i will have more as i go along. this is my plan so far with what i know until i hear better from you guys that know what your doing unlike me

used 5.3 from 2004 truck.
victor jr carb intake
msd 6010 controller
dirty dingo engine mount
use my radiator and get new hoses
use a stock style tank in the cab and use a 60psi electric fuel pump with a regulator (i hear corvette is a good choice)
use a manual clutch fan (less wiring=less time)


can you guys give me a step by step on what i need to do the swap and keep it cheap as possible ? correct me where i am wrong please and help me understand what i have read.

sorry for the long ramble and thanks for the help