The early 22r are not longer they just have a different block and are not compatible with the latter years. If you have decided to go with the 22r I would get a latter model (87+) with fuel injection. The 87+ have the check connecter on the engine harness and this makes the swap much easier. Since you have money to buy parts and the know how to rebuild the motor look around for someone parting out a truck with a blown motor. Make sure you get the engine harness and any little stuff you need. Craigslist is good for stuff like this. If you are willing to wait a little while you can get very good deals.
Many people think LC eng. is overpriced and over rated but I have no personal expieriance with them. Just get a new head with bigger valves and rv cam from EngineBuilder. He sells these at a very reasonable price and has an exellent reputation. Combine that with a high flow air filter and a header and you will get good performance and reliability on mostly stock parts.
Engine swaps are fun but you can't go wrong with a 22r. 8)
