K20 Suburban TBI Engine Build

[JCampbell]

'88 K20 Suburban. TBI 350. 4" lift on 35's. Dual purpose rig. We wheel it, but mostly "light", expedition-type wheeling (not a hardcore rockcrawler). We also use it for camping, and as such, I often pull a small utility-type trailer (5'x8', single axle) over the local fire roads to get to our favorite spots.

I could use some more low end torque and I was considering a few options. TBI will be the fuel delivery system on both options:

OPTION 1: Keep the 350, rebuild, cam, intake, headers.

Pros
Already have the engine
Parts are relatively inexpensive
Truck is already set up w/ this engine (simplified installation)


Cons
Small engine, big truck
Even after mods, it will still make less power that a BBC w/ the same mods


OPTION 2: Swap in a 454, rebuild, cam, intake, headers.

Pros
Big block power right out of the box
More power than a small block with what is comparatively the same cam, intake & exhaust

Cons
Parts cost a little more
Have to deal with getting it emissions legal (CA truck)
Need to source the engine and all TBI parts (nickle and dime effect)

Looking to get some opinions on what engine would be a better choice for a weekend wheeler/camping/expedition rig?

*Cam & intake would be from the Edelbrock Performer line of parts (or equivalent).