[1998_Silverado_WI]

In the new issue of Hot Rod magazine is a tech question asked about upgrading the cam in a '96 Chevy truck with the Vortec engine, along with questions about ECU tweaks and info on the restriction of using the stock intake manifold. This led me to wondering what it would take to end up with the induction setup that I would like installed on my '98 Silverado, especially since the local Chevy dealer wants to charge me between $800 and $1,000 to remove the intake just to replace the leaking intake manifold gasket that only leaks a drop here or there, and not even enough to leak onto the ground when parked...

I have seen the posts for converting from SCPI to MFI using OEM parts from the GM parts department, but I would like to know if anyone knows of an aftermarket MFI swap that could be done on the Vortec engine to get away from the stock 2 piece intake, yet will work with the factory ECU? I am looking for any information on what would be required such as wiring harness changes or wiring harness adapters that will allow for an easy plug and go setup, and if the stock ECM will not work as is or if an aftermarket fuel management unit like a BigStuff 3 alone or piggybacked with the ECU could/should be used. Are MFI kits like the manifold, injectors, and throttle body available from Edelbrock or Holley compatible with the stock ECU to start with, and then upgrade to a BigStuff3 in the future to allow for tuning to accommodate upgrades and modifications to the engine? Eventually I would like to be able to upgrade to a little more aggressive cam, swap in headers and true dual exhaust (I live in the country, no smog inspection/testing required here) and finally add a supercharger or turbo. I don't see the stock Vortec intake working for these changes as the injectors alone aren't upgradeable to larger units to handle higher power levels, along with airflow restriction that limit power potential.

I am looking to retain the Vortec engine (I believe it is a very good strong base in which to build upon) so I can piece together my final package as I go and with what I can scrape together over time while on the very limited budget I have as I am disabled and receiving disability. Ideally I would love to swap an LS1/3/6 into my truck, but that's far too big of a cash outlay way too much work for me to do all at once in order to get my one and only ride rolling again. I also want to retain full use of all the electronics that came on my truck, even the generic "security" setup and factory radio, ABS and air bags, etc. that will also allow all my dash instruments to work without having the check engine light lit up constantly.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!