Greetings everyone!

I'm looking into purchasing a 1955 Chevy Short bus to restore into a Saturday College Football game day bus. I would appreciate and advice/guidance before I make this purchase. Vehicle would require an engine swap. Owner has a 2004 5.3 Vortec with Transmission to replace the original 283 4 speed. A 74 1 Ton donor truck with power steering, power disc brakes, tilt column, independent front end, rear end, and dual tanks. He's asking $4,500.00 for everything, neither vehicles have Titles. Would this be worth purchasing if myself and a few friends did the majority of the work? (This would be my first time actually swapping/restoring a vehicle.)

A few extra questions:

• Would the 5.3 Vortec be a good engine for this rig?
• What costs (easy round numbers) would I be looking for wiring harnesses, pedal assembly, fuel pumps etc?
• Are there any helpful guidebooks or websites we could use for reference?
• Does anyone have any experience with this type of project that would be able to give guidance?

Thank you for your advice in advance,
Soonerbred87