If you not looking for big power numbers you'll still have a engine capable of towing, won't win any races but if you wanted serious speed a different engine comes to mind. But any work you are thinking abt doin should be done before the engine goes in
I'm curious what you mean by "if you wanted serious speed a different engine comes to mind." However, when I think of a K2500 Suburban, images of dragracing doesn't come to mind...
In the cace of my Suburban, I'm not attempting to make a racing vehicle, just a tough truck. I think the Cummins is a good candidate for that.
I thought heavily about doing some work to the 7.4L. It's not hard to get some serous HP, but not while retaining drivability for family and towing... not to mention fuel economy. While you're able to make HP... the 7.4 isn't great at making the amounts of torque the Cummins is capable of, with little work... and it is hands down better on fuel.
As far as work done to it before installation. I am interested in installing the engine stock for a baseline before I start making improvements. From the factory this engine was advertised as 160HP and 400ft.lbs. of torque out of 360 cubic inches.
The 1997 454 was advertised as 290HP and 410ft.lbs. of torque. With 130HP less, I'm sure it's not going to be same when you kick it down into second to pass someone... but it's not like it really launches around them like a rocket, lol.
I enjoy the Big Block in my 96, and there will likely be some aspects I miss going to a straight 6. But I think with the increases that are able to be made easily with the Cummins after it's installed, I'll soon appreciate the swap.
...Maybe I'll hang on to the 96 Big Block for a while to fulfill my need for that Big Block rumble now and then...
Smitty