LS recommendations and help

[69Tom]

Hi all. I've started considering putting an LS in my 1970 C/10 short-stepside. It has it's original 6cyl, 3 on the tree in it. I'm looking for something that's going to be reliable and decent on gas. I'd like something with good power, but doesn't need to be crazy.

I'd like to keep my price around $2500-3000 with a transmission. I already have an updated wiring system for the truck

I guess I can just list off my questions:

1) Any recommendations on what LS engine I should go for? I'd like to keep the price on the lower side (vs. $6000+ that I'm seeing for a LS3.)

2) I'm seeing a lot of LS motors with a ton of mileage on them. What's a decent range for mileage on these? I was thinking anything with around 60-70K would be a good engine for quite some time.

3) Is there a reputable seller of there motors that I should check out? I'm wary of the CL seller on some level.

I'm open to any suggestions for anything else I should know. I've been looking through the LS section here on the forums and gathering whatever info I can.

Thanks in advance for the help.