I am installing a 5.3L into a 1984 GMC K1500. I am renewing the K1500 as well. Below is what I have spent for the major systems of the truck:
actual truck, $750. No engine but had a SM465 and NP208 - but I wanted a NV4500 - used 2002 silverado 5.3L engine 144k, with accessories: $700
(note on engine: I found 2 cylinders filled oil, oil in intake. I think this was upside down for awhile)
truck upgrades/fixes/repairs, including wheels, tires battery shocks, Tie rod ends, paint, etc: $2500
More Steering parts, etc: $200
Fuel tank, AN fittings, hose, fuel pick up and fuel pump, tank support parts: $550
Used NV4500, NP241c, pressure plate, power train other then engine: $1350
Basic engine parts other than engine, ARP bolts, etc: $450
Engine renewal, new LS2 cam chain, sprockets, O2 sensors, gaskets, lifters, whole top and front end to all new parts, etc: $1590
Exhaust system, Schoenfeld longtube headers, muffler, V clamps, $550
862 heads reworked, Comp Cams dual springs with .675 lift capable: $865
Total cost OF PARTS ONLY of above: $9,458
no labor in there, I did 99% of the work
LS HOWTO BOOKs, and tools, lots of LS tools,etc: $954
NV4500 tools: $457
Debating to go for the minimal tranny rebuild kits at $300 or the full kit at $800 (has 9 syncros)
for the full parts breakdown on Dropbox see the following link, which includes part numbers and where I found the cheapest at the time. I think I have captures 95% of the parts cost. Misc autoparts purchases for shop supplies, etc are not all there:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ez9aclwtalh4u9/K1500 5.3L Build parts cost as of 1 jan 2016.xls?dl=0
wish there was a way to upload that file to this post so that the post does not have to reply on my dropbox account being valid forever
link to build in sig
dougbert