You can stick a v6 or v8 in your truck and still be smog legal, even though you're in Cali it isn't illegal, just some rules you gotta be aware of.
Engine has to be same year or newer then the truck you're putting it in, you have to have all smog equipment that came with engine originally and put it in, don't customize/modify the oem equipment(don't make it noticable atleast).[/QUOTE]

Sounds like a good idea: Any suggestion on the easiest swap to perform. Any welding involved? Cuz I do have a welder.
I all for more power.

I did find me a new front windshield weather strip thanks to Pennyman1 & Camoit who sent me the lead. One step closer but so many to go.

Paint is now an issue in CA due to water based paints. I was told by the paint shop it may be best to respray the whole truck since the color matching is not that great with the new water based paints, despite the aid of the computers blending the paint.
Its a learning curve of sorts....I guess.

I do recall water based paints on the GM cars in the early 80's. As it aged is the paint would flake off from a garden hose....I will never forget that experience. Thankfully my Dad was there to witness it. We were both shocked.

Thank you DroppedMitsu