Ls swap into 1998 4.3 5spd 1500

[BillyDanger]

I have a 1998 single cab with the 4.3 v6 and a 5spd nv3500 I believe... I want to swap in a 5.7 or 6.0 and keep the truck standard.
A little bit about the purpose of the truck: to be a daily driver (60 mile round trip) and to eventually run a 12 second 1/4 n/a and then a 10 or lower after boost..
. My first question is will the nv3500 be strong enough for a while until I can replace it with an nv4500? Or is there a better transmission?
I am also planning on purchasing a complete take out, which will most likely come with a 4l60e , can the ECM be used for a manual, ? Also what are these transmissions worth used ?
So far I am taking into consideration I will need the following for the swap. , please let me know what I'm missing
Motor mounts
Radiator
Electric fan setup
V8 fuel lines ?
Bell housing?

[zebra]

there's a whole section that covers OBS LS swaps.
but the stock 5 speed will be fine. the LS PCM can be tuned with or without transmission shift tables. if you're trying to race it, the 4500 is a bad option - yeah it's stronger, but the gearing sucks for racing & the clutch for either ain't that good for shifting fast or high in the RPMs. if you're 2wd, look into a T56 swap from a GTO (preferably) or a Camaro/TransAm

[BillyDanger]

Thank you very much zebra!

[BillyDanger]

Is there any bell housing difference for the t56 or will it match right up

[BillyDanger]

Also, if I choose to keep my 3500 on for now would there be any bell housing change or any other difference?

[LOWnEASY]

Get a 98+ t56 transmission with a good clutch. The nv3500 doesn't like to shift past 3.5-4k rpm let alone 6-7k rpm.

[zebra]

i've shifted mine at 5500


...it wasn't the best feeling in the world, but it did it. that was also only for the first few times after a clutch fluid ranger flush. after that, you gotta double-clutch it - but that's more because of the hydraulics

as for bolting up, the nv3500 is a one-piece unit (the bellhousing is built in), and any SBC/BBC/LS engine can bolt to any RWD GM transmission

[BillyDanger]

Thanks very much guys, my 4.3 has developed a knock haven't had time to investigate but it sounds like a connecting rod on cylinder 6.... So I may have to slap another 4.3 in for now .... I'm thinking I can get it done for about $1000.... How far off is $1000 from getting an ls swapped in and driving with maybe some detail to work on?

[zebra]

depending on the engine you find, you're most of the way there.

[Mickeymotormount]

As Zebra stated, it depends on what engine you find and for how much.

After a trans fire burned up most of my wiring harness along with cooking the trans, I decided to go the LS swap route than finding another trans to back up the old tired 350 Gen 1 small block. My engine was also developing a rod knock so this seemed the best route. After scouring Craigslist, I scored a '99 6.0 with all the harness/PCM along with another transmission for $750. I sold the old engine for $150 and the burnt trans for $50. I bought a new radiator, engine mounts and other incidentals and still wound up spending just under $1000. If you have the time to shop, the deals are out there.