OutlawDrifter
Long Roof K2500 Driver
I found this article the other day. It's a bit old, but it narrowed my search a bit.
Our prime candidates for engines are LQ9s or LY6s. Currently our goal is to keep the bottom end stock and unmodified other than new bearings and ARP rod bolts. The LQ9s have a 10.0:1 compression ratio. The LY6s have a 9.67 compression ratio, but came from the factory with the L92 heads. The L96 is also a contender, but it's newer and harder to find cheap.
Actually finding the engine is another matter. I'm going to have to beat the bushes and pester friends to see if anyone knows of an engine for sale. Here in Oklahoma it's a seller's market for trucks and truck parts. Complete engines with harnesses and accessories are $1500-$2000. The heavy duty trucks that have these engines command a premium, even wrecked.
LQ9's have ALWAYS drawn a premium. Fastest way to build an iron LS2. LY6 will have the added cost of deleting VVT if you're not intending to keep it.