I've been slowly working on a 1977 GMC Sierra, 1500, RC LB 2wd, the one in my garage.

I am going to swap a diesel power plant into it, my goal is 1000 HP daily driver. So...which engine would be better suited for this, a 12v Cummins or a Duramax? OR if anyone knows a lot about the T6.3544CC Perkins.

What is the approximate weight of each engine?
What is the best year Duramax to use?
What is the best year Cummins to use?
Which engine is easier to reliably push 1000 HP out of?
What are the weak links of the Duramax?
What are the weak links of the Cummins?
Can I remove all the emissions systems off the Duramax?

If you use a LB7 there wont be an emissoins system.

Thanks for the reply, I don't know very much about the Duramax engines yet.

From what I've found, there is some injector problems with the LB7. What about an LBZ, can I just remove all the emissions off of it? I want to get the engine best suited for a swap like this, because I only want to do it once.
I will obviously have to learn a lot about these engines, but can I reliably get 1000 HP out of one of these? You know, without worrying about cracking blocks, blowing gaskets etc.?

PM Guy at Socal Diesel to learn more about the limitations/build requirements for what your wanting to do. He's the man.

Okay, thanks, I have been reading some of his posts and he did seem very knowledgeable.

I've been slowly working on a 1977 GMC Sierra, 1500, RC LB 2wd, the one in my garage.

I am going to swap a diesel power plant into it, my goal is 1000 HP daily driver. So...which engine would be better suited for this, a 12v Cummins or a Duramax? ?

There is no such thing as a 1000 HP daily driver 12 valve Cummins. They use a mechanical injection system and you do not get the versatility of a computer controlled engine like the Duramax. The beauty of the computer is that you can have one killer race program and instantly change to a street able tune. The Cummins would be easier to install due to the lack of wiring and computers though. You have to pick your poison. A good running Cummins is possible, but it won't be in that power range.

THANK YOU, I've been looking for a reason to go with a Duramax. I know there is wiring involved, but nothing I can't figure out with some time. I would prefer to stay with GM products too.

This is not going to be a build it all at once engine, but rather a put the strongest parts together one at a time, as I can afford them engine (may take 2 years). Now when I say my goal is 1000 HP, if I got 800+ HP all fuel I certainly wouldn't be disappointed.

Was looking at the Cummins because I like inline six engines (go figure).
Was looking at a T6.3544CC Perkins (also an inline six) because they're damn strong and very powerful, but have now ruled that out due to cold weather starting problems.