I did a 96 swap last year and it is a bit different than the 98+ but not too far off.
Do you want to keep ABS? On the 96 it's not possible without running both computers. I swapped in the ABS from a 2000 to get around this and it worked very well, but need access and understanding to factory wiring schematics.
And to do the swap on a $2k budget you'll definitely be building your own harness. It can integrate with the factory gauges and everything else. Speedo signal needs a pull up resistor to register correctly. It worked for us for awhile, but the speedo dropped out again and I haven't found the problem yet.
Integrating the harness requires wiring into the body harness. One of the original connectors to the engine computer goes to the body and will need to be cut and spliced into the LS engine harness. This is where you get the AC, gauges, etc working. Depending if you're going Drive by Cable or Drive by Wire you may also need to splice into some wires at the cruise control module.
We used the original S10 4L60. Had to make my own adapter for the Holley transmission mount, but I think they sell one now after we showed them it didn't work. Ended up using an adapter flex plate and the aftermarket torque converter spacer/adapter to get it bolted up to the engine. I originally modified the 5.3 flex plate with the older 60 TC bolt pattern and used a factory torque converter spacer, but it had some odd vibrations that were fixed with the aftermarket parts. Your mileage may vary.
