[Super73]

I honestly think a 5.3 could be put in a truck for under $2,000 if wise choices were made and deals were found. I have seen complete running 100k mile 5.3 with 60E's go for $750.
I have seen truck pcm and harness combos unmolested go for under $250. Just take your time rerouting and pulling wires you don't need. There are diagrams all over the net.
Motor mounts are cheap maybe $100 in them.
Modified factory tank with an external walbro and remaining fuel system parts $200 (vette regulator/misc line)
Exhaust work tying a factory manifold in to existing exhaust $150
Find a drive shaft in the junk yard if yours does not fit $75
Find a local tuner to get rid of vats and other smog related junk (if they are like me, I'll do that for $100 since it literally takes 5 minutes to do).
Piece of 4" exhaust tube from your local exhaust shop to put your filter on $25
K&N cone filter $50

Right there is $1,700, leaving $300 in misc unseen items. It could be done. The problem isn't doing it cheap for stock, none of us go totaly stock. We are our own worst enemy!!