'94 7.4L engine swap?

[al_guerra]

I would like to swap out the 350 engine for a 7.4L engine to up the towing capacity of my 94 2500. Has anyone done it? Or installed a bigger engine? ANy hints, lessons learned, etc? THanks! al

[chuck's]

I don't think that by changing the engine size will help in increasing towing capacity.Sure it will increase your power to tow,but I think that the stopping power would also have to be increased.Have you considered the increased torque that the rest of the drive train must contend with?
chuck's

[Derby Driver]

I recently replaced my 7.4 (originally came 7.4)
and though i LOVE the 454! it is a hot running and a general pain in the butt! if I had to do it all over again I would put in a carburated 350, tried and true and almost bullet-proof! keep your 350 you'll be glad you did!

[Elbert]

Originally Posted by al_guerra

I would like to swap out the 350 engine for a 7.4L engine to up the towing capacity of my 94 2500. Has anyone done it? Or installed a bigger engine? ANy hints, lessons learned, etc? THanks! al

since the suburban also has the 7.4 engine option I don't think it would be a big deal. I would install the biggest radiator you can fit in the thing along with the proper radiator shroud and fan & fan clutch. Don't shortchange the cooling or you will have problems. If you are inlcinded to do this I would check out the junk yards to round up all the proper brackets you might need. Take some pictures of simialar trucks under the hood. I would try to buy all the brackest off a doner truck and get everything you need.

As other people have suggested ... a 7.4 will pull more weight but unless you change the brakes or upgrade the drivetrain you 've not really increased the towing capacity. It might be best to get a 3/4 truck with the 7.4 to go with it.

[FCDGMC]

I'd like to add to Chuck's response. Even though it's a 2500, it may not have some of the towing upgrades that the 454 package comes with. Having the latter I can tell you, as an example, that the rear drums are 13"x3.5"-which I learned are the biggest ones. Even the guy at the parts store tried to sell me smaller ones for the 2500, so that tells me the 2500 has more than one drum size. That's just one example, I'm sure there are other components such as transmission and engine oil coolers that are only on the heavy duty towing package.

I think the truck itself can take it, but the towing considerations may not. It's too bad I have sentimental attachment to my beast and we don't live closer, because I was considering doing the exact opposite-switching to a 350!