[tdangle]

This is the original engine and I do have the protectoplate since this was my family's truck since new. Since I'm not going to sell, I'm not concerned about its possible value if perfect in a stock condition.

Those long blocks from GM are not only drying up but going up in price. The only one now that is the base 195 hp at $2200 and next step up is $2800. The L31 is not currently available and you can bet if and when it becomes available it will be more that the $2200 it was last year. I know, I tried to buy one. I ended up with a way more $ package than I had wanted, but taking into consideration all the extras and stuff that I really shouldn't transfer, and needed to buy, the engine I purchased wasn't that bad, (just a shock to my bank account). I will be posting a install thread in the next few weeks. Should be up and running by end of the month.