[gnx7]

If you find an L33 engine that is an alum 5.3 block; however they have DOD/VVT. If you convert it back over to a standard style cam you need the following: front LS2/LS3 cover and valley cover, LS7 lifters, new cam, new pushrods, new timing set which will put you way over budget. The 85lb weight saving is nice though. The heads don't matter a ton once you swap in a cam. Maybe 10-20hp difference in head castings. You can also mill the heads to gain more compression and get some free power.

I paid $650 for an L33 shortblock.... then added ported 5.3 heads, LS9 gaskets, ARP head studs, ARP rod bolts, LS6 intake, ported TB, 120# injectors, used cam, LS7 lifters, front cover, valley cover, timing set and I was into it for over $3000 doing all the work myself.

The only way you are going to do it for $1500-1800 on the engine and trans is to buy a complete totalled vehicle and part it out making some money back or you better have one hell of a hookup. You will be hard pressed to do it otherwise. The fuel system alone doing it cheaply (weld in a sump, the lines, pump, regulator/fittings) will be a few hundred easily. Then you need a tune as well and redo/relabel the wiring harness. A 5.3 without at least a cam upgrade is going to be a dog. That would require head gaskets and some new bolts and most likely deck the heads for a fresh mating surface. Just trying to be realistic.