Whats good for a daily driver but hopefully more power. Looking to spend around the $500 mark.

Save your money. There won't be any notable gains from an intake alone.

If it’s port injection which was either 96 or 97 there are not many options I can recall. There was a marine intake but it required custom machining to make it work. TBI there are loads of options. I would get a cam too to make the most of it.

I need a new engine so looking for crate engine. Its a 24 year old truck so I'm planning on replacing everything. Like to find a short block and throw on aluminum heads but as usual, money is an issue. I dont have the time to rebuild this one. I was a HE mechanic for 24 years but I didn't work on gassers to much.

Wife wants to make it a dune truck and as a back up daily driver. Looking for a mild build.

Easier for just a crate engine and tuner or intake, exhaust cam, etc?

I dont want to spend 10grand on an engine but 3-4k isn't out of reach.

Time wise & the best combo, A complete GM crate motor could be the answer. Bolt it in, connect the wires & go. Look at bolt in options from GM at Jegs & Summit Racing.