AMS13

Whats up guys. I have a 04 Silverado, 2wd, 4.3, NV3500 5 speed ,131k. I plan on doing a motor swap over the winter but I cant decide on what to swap in. My goals for the truck are simple, I want the v8 sound, (a cam would be installed regardless of the motor) and I want to be able to lay tire in second gear. Not on a power shift, just rolling at say 30 get on it and put it down. Only other mods would be long tube headers, a spectre intake which I already have, and 4.10 gears. I understand the transmission is not the greatest, and I would probably never be able to find 3rd gear anywhere north of 5500 rpms.
As of right now I have the option of buying a 4.8 with 200k on it for $250 with the engine harness and gas pedal. At a minimum I would be doing the oil pump, new head gaskets, valve job, springs/keepers/ retainers, lifters, cam, rear main, and take a peek at the crank/main bearings.
Option 2 is a 2004 5.3 junk yard motor with 60k on it (gm reman) looking at $1500 with engine harness and gas pedal. This motor I would do the rear main, springs/keepers/retainers, cam, pushrods and go
Option 3 2004 6.0 junk yard motor with 149k on it for $1500. This motor I would do the rear main, springs/keepers/retainers, cam, push rods,oil pump, lifters and I should take a look at the main/crank bearings as well.
Im not looking to set the world on fire, or build a race truck. Its my tinker toy that I mainly use to putt around town, take to car shows / cruises. let me know what you guys think!!

RedXray

The 6.0 would get my vote. You'll probably want a 3000+ stall converter to add to the list with the camshaft and 4.10's. Is the 6.0 a LQ4 or LQ9? Not sure I'd want to pay $1500 for the lower compression LQ4. I found a LQ9 for $1150 with 130,000 miles. I did the hone, rings, bearings, cam, gaskets, oil pump, new valves etc. On teardown all the bearings looked great. I replaced even though it wasn't necessary. My truck was also a 4.3 swap. You will need the harness and ECM from an 03+ plus the DBW pedal and TAC module, engine mounts, returnless fuel rails.

swathdiver

You want burn rubber you need torque and to get torque you need cubic inches or a turbocharger. Get the LQ9.