99 Vortec Swap into 1980 Jimmy

[RaysJimmy]

Well, I have been researching this for a few weeks. I picked up a 99 5.7L off a 4wd Suburban, that a mechanic/friend had lying around at his shop. A customer had flaked on him, so it was just sitting there. I made him an offer and he accepted, but I didn't realize all the additional parts I would need, well not really need, but that I wanted to gather, to complete the serp set up. It was missing the flex-plate, harmonic balancer and bolts, alternator and bolts, A/C pump and bolts, distributor, plug wires, starter, passenger side oil dip stick, and the oil cap.
As I stated earlier, I have searched low and high, and actually used a couple websites to help in some decisions, below are the links. So I have purchased all the seals and gaskets to make sure I don't have any leaks. I also have new brass freeze plugs, spark plugs (ACR44LTS)and purchased a new/used GMPP intake, since I plan on using a carburetor, this I knew I had to replace before I purchased the engine. I also got a new timing cover, alternator connection and a hardened new distributor gear, since i'll be using the stock one.
So, what I am asking is; can I use the harmonic balancer from my Jimmy? I purchased it new a couple years ago, but it was for a pre-79 engine, as the dip-stick is on the drivers side. On a side note, the engine I have now was rebuilt/purchased from Larry's Performance in Montebello, California. The engine only has 9,500 miles and the piston rings are already letting oil up into the combustion chamber, the reason why I want to replace the engine. But this could be another story or rant .
Also, what flex-plate do I need? I hope and plan on using the starter from the Jimmy, if it's possible. I have a TH350 on it now, but I just might switch it to the 700R4 I have for it.
Also, the intake I purchased came with the intake gaskets, but they were installed on a crate engine, they were just torqued down, the engine was never ran, can I re-use these gaskets? They still look good.
Sorry for the long rant, I know I have forgotten some stuff, but i'll post later, below are some pics.

The pics with the new intake show it ready for paint, I just need an engine stand.
http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=51277

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Cylinder_Heads/Vortec.cfm

http://www.chevymania.com/tech/vortec.htm

http://www.onedirt.com/tech-stories/engine/a-guide-to-vortec-vs-oe-small-block-chevy-heads/

 

[Upstate]

Looking at the same thing right now. Did you ever end up doing this?

 

[RaysJimmy]

It's still pretty much the same as in the picture, except that it's now on a engine stand and have now decided that I will change the valve seals, just as a precautionary measure.
I have researched it a bit more, as far as I know, the harmonic balancer has a different thickness than the older models. So in order to keep everything lined up, I purchased a new one. The flexplate will also need to be change to a one-piece design. I haven't been to the junk yard yet, to gather the starter and flexplate, so I can confirm that an older 168 tooth starter will work, obviously with a 168 tooth flywheel. and as far as re-using the gaskets, since I had already purchased them, I better be safe than sorry.