Welcome to CHR! I'd also have to say you should look into a LS swap. Pacific performance is in California and they do a lot of LS stuff. Call them and see what they have to say about smog and emissions for a swap. You can get an engine and trans cheaper if you hunt around. But since you don't have the extra time, this could be for you.

Tilden Motorsports Ready To Run Engine Package 5.3L