New Guy, Fly. Thanx in advance for reading, ++thanx for advice.

I have become the proud owner of a 98 2dr 4x4 Blazer. Parts truck. It has been stripped some before I got it, dash removed , all cab wiring, steering column gone. The engine is free, oil looks clean. I was told about 90 K on unit. I am removing transfer case and transmission, but I need to start the engine before I go much further. I have cab wiring and steering column from a donor vehicle 01 S-10, also v6, auto. So I can hook up the wiring from the column. It has a key.

What else do I need to do? I can connect a water hose to the engine for cooling. I have the oil filter unit connected. In the center of the dash down low was a blue electrical box. What is that thing, and do I need that to start the motor?.
I really am wary of the electronic trans and transfer case, so I am taking them out before I start the engine. I intend on installing a T-5 trans in time, and I also want to eliminate the ignition and intake system for a HEI distributor and old timy carb system, such as used in marine applications, if it runs properly. All advice welcome. Thank you, Fly.

 

As to the carb conversion, might be more work than you think. Search up a thread called "4.3 TBI to 4.3 carb" or something, there's a discussion there about how impractical a carb swap would be