build suggestion

[Macaroni_Sackaroni]

ive been planning my build since i bought the car, saving up decent money for this project. Not looking to a build a real performance muscle truck or anything crazy, just looking to a have a good running truck with a bada** sound. looking for suggestions and critical opinions. 

budget:
$3000

motor:
l98 tpi 5.7l from a firebrid ecu
i think tranny is a  th400
12bolt diff not sure what gear ratio

current plans so far:
first see if the block is good.
have block honed by friend
throttle body + camshaft (thinking this may not be necessary)
headers (maybe just headers after i get it honed)
good professional tune
possibly straight pipes.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Is the engine in the truck?

[Macaroni_Sackaroni]

Is the engine in the truck?

yup wire up with an ecu runs. smokes sometimes thinking the head gask has a little leak.

[80Chevy4x4]

Smoking sometimes could be the valve seals or piston rings....or even a fuel build-up.

[Macaroni_Sackaroni]

Smoking sometimes could be the valve seals or piston rings....or even a fuel build-up.

the reason i think its gask because everytime i run it it shoots a little water out and smells sweet like coolant. but... smoke goes away after driving it for a little so makes me think its just extra moisture because i run it like every about 2-3 weeks just around the neighborhood. not sure its that though because its garaged.

ill find out when i eventually take the motor out.

[Irish_Alley]

if the smoke is white and clears up more than likely its just moisture in the air or muffler. if it continues to smoke thats when you should worry or if youre losing antifreeze