Do you guys know if the 2005 xl Denali came with the 80e? Looking at purchasing 2005 Yukon xl Denali. I have a bad a$$ 390 fully built and looking to put a 76mm turbo on it. In your opinion should I stick with trying to find 2500 Suburban with all the beefy stuff on it or do you think the Denali will be ok? I really hope the 05 has an 80e in it, that would help a lot!! Not looking to go crazy hp numbers, settling around the 600hp mark. Another question would a built 4l60 around the 600 mark last?? Thanks!!

 

No , never available with an 80e.
No , a 60e won't hold especially in that.
Do an 80e if you are going to turbo that .

 

I wish it was easier to find a mint (02-06) 2500 Suburban vs the Denali XL, they seem to be easier to find and in better shape.

 

Yeah those are nice and have a great drivetrain .

 

Plus the Yukon Denali will have the undesirable Borg Warner AWD Tcase , it doesn't react well to big power I've been told , kinda "bucks " around when launched , the NVG 149 in the sierra Denali is the AWD case to have

 

The 80e swap is straightforward and inexpensive. I would ask the purposebof the vehicle before suggesting a 2500. If you plan to tow then the 2500 is a much better choice of the frame and suspension. Trans and rear will be larger and stronger, but if this is just a cruiser/racer then the lighter 1500 is a better choice.

 

That 60e wont hold long at all with a heavy vehicle as yours. 80e is a must!

 

As others have said, just plan for a 80E no matter what route you take.

 

I have a 2001 2500hd extended cab with a mid mount 60mm turbo. I love the truck and that is what the 390 with bigger turbo was going to go into "originally".. Then the fact that I have two kids plus wife and we usually are towing a boat 5,000lbs i figured before I do this swap what would be a better ride for the family for the next 5-10 years. Now i'm in the middle of trying to get a 2500 Suburban but came across a really good looking and comfy Denali XL????

 

Looking into this big time now! Just trying to figure out all the new to me AWD system in the Denali. I was thinking this may be a problem when going to the 80e. Sounds like I would have to change the transfer case to a part time 4x4 if this is possible with out spending a crap load.