I feel like i have done every bolt on and mod.... intake, exhaust, headers, cam, heads, intake manifold, and a nelson tune. I just recently purchased a 02 ls1 long block w/ 36k for 1500$ i installed the engine myself the install cost me around 1700$ including the engine. All the other crap i bought before (headers, exhaust, intake ect...)my engine swap was probly 1500$-2000$ If could do it all over again i would get a used ls1 long block and just get it over with.

Before my engine swap when i raced my friends 5.3 ECSB i only beat him by 1 car length. Now after my engine swap i beat him by 5 car lengths.

If you are mechanically able to do a engine swap DO IT! It is definatly your best bang for your buck. Plus now you have a bigger engine to build up from.
Just my opinion from personal experince.

Brandon