Made a few calls today about a engine and now I am on the fence as to which engine to go with. 91-94 vortec or 96-current vortec. The up side to the later model is 10 more hp. more upgrade options and more plentyful. I found one for $600 with harness and computer. The upside to the CPI Vortec is that it is simpler to hook up ie: I can run a non-electronic tranny without the computer needing reflashed. I found one for $400.

I have also decided to go ahead and cut down the dana axle I'm using and keep the rear 12 bolt for now. That way I only have to regear the front. Randy's R&P said the 4.56's should keep the 4.3 happy with 35's.

Now, as far as the tranny goes I would like to go with a 5spd but for simplicity and cost I'll probably go with an auto. So th350 or 700r4(4l60). Will I notice that much difference. I will be driving this thing to all the trails so I would like to get better than 10mpg's. I even thought about trying to possibly make my own adapter plate for the 2.6 auto that was in it but I don't know if it is up to the abuse.