1999 K2500 Suburban repower options

[Oifla]

Hello all,

Have a much loved 1999 Suburban K2500 with the 7.4L (454) vortec. Original engine needs rebuilt (lower end noises) but I don't have time to do it right now. Instead, I'd like to swap something in while I take my time working on the big block. Three options as far as I can tell:

a) there's lots of 5.7L Vortecs around to be had with the entire donor vehicle. could swap the engine in but I'm not sure what else needs to be adapted. exhaust? (this is the cheapest option)

b) look for a 6.5L diesel? don't know what's required as far as anything beyong the engine itself

c) bite the bullet and pay for a 554 (this is the most expensive option)

Thoughts? Any other options I'm not thinking about?

Thanks
O.