I realize this is an endless argument with no possible winner. But....everything I said still stands. A cummins will make way more torque and hp, with way less money. And like I said, better milage, 2-3 times better.
You said cost...intial cost perhaps. That's it.
Weight- I'll give ya that.
RPM?? With more hp/tg, who cares about RPM? Just requires a different driving style.
Fuel system hassle...what could be more simple than a mechanically injected cummins?
Sound is subjective. I love the sound of a straight piped 12v. Some people like the sound of a 40 series flowmaster on a big block. I think it's obnoxious.
Cold start hassles....only if the motor isn't 100%.
Smoke...don't have to "roll coal" like a train to make big power. Just like the sound, some people like this.
As for how far I plan to build it....I want atleast 1000ft-lbs and 500hp. And twin turbos. And a Suncoast transmission. Something that can run with the new diesels. It's either build the truck like this, or spend 2-3 times more and buy a new truck.
One day, when it's all said and done, we'll have to get together and run an impromptu stop light to stop light race. My cummins against your big block. Then we can do a tow test. Then you can stop for fuel while I stop and get some beers.

Thanks again for the alignment procedure. Gonna try to make use of that today.
I don't call it an arguement, I call it friendly opposition, or just plain benchracing, or benchtowing too I guess.
I'll give you the towing, I admit diesels are better for towing, there is no arguement there.
As for as easily more hp and torque, I'll give you the torque, not the hp. It's not easy to make big hp with a diesell since the hp equation involves RPM.
And yeah, the no RPM requires a different driving style, a boring one! I like to hear my engine sing!
For the fuel system hassle I was referring to the constant fuel filter changes and cold weather gel up problems.
My brother has a tuned up duramax in a newer 2500HD. Runs real good, and it's pretty sweet to be able to change the power level with the press of a button or two. I don't like the smell though, the exhaust stinks when you get out, I prefer the smell of premium gas or better yet some VP C16!
As for your challenge, sounds like fun no matter who wins! I believe you would obviously take the tow test, especiallly with your long wheelbase to handle better, and the mileage test.
The drag race, you might be surprised, it could go either way. I've ridden in several diesels, heck my brother and I were goofing around in his this weekend playing with the power levels. And I have been at the duramax engine plant for my previous job, that engine is really pretty cool, the internals are awesome, and that valvetrain, (works well for a low rpm engine), is genius to have 32 valves and only one cam.
Another comment on this friendly opposition, to really make this all fair, my big block would then have to have twin turbos. Turbos change things. Or to make this challenge cheaper you could use the cummins with no turbos, that would be fair...?

NA gas vs NA diesel?
FYI, now that they have direct injection in gas engines, which reduces detonation among other things (feul can't preignite if it's not there yet, which means more boost is possible) things will be changing yet again. Also, compression ignition gasoline engines may be closer than you think.
And you are correct, this could be neverending. So build your cummins and enjoy it. And don't get down on your truck, you have gotten a lot of work done in a short amount of time. Issues are bound to pop up, and almost every project always costs more money and time then you plan for. You are doing great, keep it up!
And thanks again for your service to this great country. If it wasn't for our service men and women this country wouldn't exist, and we couldn't be argueing about our rigs!
