venturing into the idea of a 3126 cat with allison trans combo. even with all the electronics that seems challenging, although it seems like it could be done. Any thoughts?

 

That would be a cool mod! Bulletproof combo. Torque monster! I see Xfer case, drive shafts and diff upgrades too.

 

You'd be better off with a Cummins 5.9 or 6.7. The C7 isn't that great of an engine. It is heavy, you need to beef up the front end.

 

going with a 12 valve has been the strong consideration anyway, so most likely go with a cummins. Nice to have something different, is all I'm thinkin.

 

Ryan is steering you right. The 3126 weighs over 1200lbs, and for that you get a maximum of 300hp and 800lb/ft of torque out of 7.2 liters. You also get a HEUI fuel system, and no engine or exhaust brake. My uncle had one in his old farm truck. The C7 only adds a little more power and common rail injection in later versions. There are better engine choices.

 

I've also found that every c7 I've worked on at work and driven has always idled rough and at a certain noise frequency that just rattled my brain. Not pleasant.

 

After 2003 the clatterpillar became a highly overrated engine.