I just picked up a 2006 5.3l for 250 with an ls1 cam and some corvette exhaust manifolds to go into my 82 z28 camaro. I've yet to decide what transmission to go with, but would love to go manual. I've always driven a manual until this car and well I miss it. I'm going to freshen up the block as it looks good and the heads and intake manifold are off. I'm going to put new cam bearings and some piston rings in along with new lifters as there was a stuck one. Just looking for any advice on the refresh/rebuild and on the swap too. First time I've done either, but I'm familiar with this sort of thing and have pulled many motors and worked on the outside and fuel of many.
Thanks, Cole
and heres a pic of the engine with truck intake and heads and such

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...formation.html

 

Some of the LSx 'vette exhaust manifolds flowed well, but they won't fit with a stock crossmember. You'd need a tubular k-member, and probably custom mounting the block to that, as well.
For a manual transmission you'll probably end up with some variation of the T56.