if anyone wants updates, check this thread out. i got a new box today, as well as tail lights and tailgate. also got it running again after cleaning the throttle body (throttle had seized open, i shut it off and didn't try again)
Thanks for the update. It should turn out real nice. If you want something to drive every day, and not be killed by a huge gas bill, stick with the 4.3L. I've got one in mine, and I'm usually about $200-$250 a month in gas (for about 1500km). The 4.3L will be plenty of engine to have a little fun with, and they sound great with a flowmaster (I've got a Super40 on mine). Best of luck!