Tow vehicle getting old? Searching for more power?

[Black396]

Thinking about using the Suburban as a tow vehicle again but it has 100,000 miles on the motor and it doesn't have the power it should to haul itself and all the associated track stuff.

So I started looking around and lo and behold I find just what the doctor ordered; 383cu. in. 280hp@4500rpm 388tq@2800rpm and a 24 month 24,000 mile warranty.

Now comes the really nice part... this motor was developed to be a drop in replacement for 85-95 TBI ODBI Chevy and GMC trucks. No custom wiring, works with the OEM 4L60E transmissions, no fuss, no muss.

It works with the OEM TBI but a Holley TBI can be added for additional power. The motor is undergoing emissions testing currently. The motor does require a new chip be programmed but that is included in the cost of the motor.

More info as the plan progresses...

[wazzzup]

If the vehical is good, just switch the motor. [:D] It's a killer motor for towing. What type of gear ratio do you have in it? That kind of power you should be able to go with more of a highway gear for gas milage.

[Black396]

Not sure what gears it has... they are probably 3.73s as they were pretty standard ratios for pickups and light duty trucks.

Power has always been a problem with them. There are still a number of these trucks running around that are in good to excellent shape (85-95).

When you compare them to the new ones, they don't have the torque to get the job done. Up until now you didn't have a lot of options, replace the motor with the same thing or jump through hoops and spend crazy $$$$ to put in a later motor-EFI setup but that requires changing computers, fuel system, etc.

After talking with the builder today on the phone I think he really has his stuff together.

[urtoslo]

Sounds like a great engine for your Burb.

My Tahoe is at 98k miles now too. Seems to run ok. I'd like to drop a 454 into it when it's time is up!

[Black396]

What year is your Tahoe?

I've been thinking about this for awhile and talking to John Sealock about it. I thought about a 454 a couple of times. The first time I was thinking maybe BBC. Besides all of the other problems (custom chip, fuel system, wiring harness, etc.) there was also the problem with the suspension. To handle the weight difference between a SBC and a BBC the springs and shocks have to be changed at a minimum. In some cases, the entire front suspension has to be changed, ball joints, pitman arms, tierods, etc.

In the old days (60s-70s) the frames and crossmembers were drilled and tapped for every conceivable motor / transmission; SB, BB, 6 cylinder, etc. Swapping motors and trannies were pretty straight forward.

I'm not sure if that still applies today or not.

After looking at all the complications with a BBC (454 - 502), I started looking at SB crates, 383, 396, 454, etc. Again all of the same problems (custom chip, fuel system, wiring harness, etc.). At least with a SB, I didn't have to worry about suspension and other components brackets, A/C, P/S, alternator, etc.

[urtoslo]

It's a 1998. The front suspension is the torque arm (?) bullsh_t, so I'm not sure what would be involved with dropping in a 454. I already have air springs in the back, maybe they can be adapted for the front!

I figured as long as I got an engine from a similar year, I could use most or all of the 350 sensors/connections I have now. I'd need to check out an existing 1998 BB to see if this is possible. Joe may also nix this right off the bat, as the exiting connections may be too incompatible.

[89x2]

I have decided that for me, no matter how many cubes, I will not buy another tow rig that is NOT a Diesel!

F350 SD is my current fav. in crew cab dually box format [B-)]
Gas tow trucks are [:((] compared - and I pull a 28 ft box w/ a ford, barely [:D]

[Black396]

Diesels are definitely the way to go for torque and a dualie is the best of the light duty trucks.

About the only problem is they aren't the best if you have to use it as a daily driver also.

I find them just a little difficult to justify if I'm only going to use it 4 or 5 times a year.

[urtoslo]

I have decided that for me, no matter how many cubes, I will not buy another tow rig that is NOT a Diesel!

F350 SD is my current fav. in crew cab dually box format [B-)]
Gas tow trucks are [:((] compared - and I pull a 28 ft box w/ a ford, barely [:D]


I like the V10 option Ford has. Diesels will probably never recoup the additional cost of the option, and they really don't get that much better mileage. And they make way too much noise and smoke...

[89x2]

I like the V10 option Ford has. Diesels will probably never recoup the additional cost of the option, and they really don't get that much better mileage. And they make way too much noise and smoke...


My brother had a V10 Excursion - resale was like a tank... For me, the added torque would be the main reason


Black 396, for 6 or 7 times a year, Diesels may not be for you then [B-)]

[wazzzup]

I personaly never really got into the diesels myself. I've known alot of people that love them, and wouldn't have anything else. I do know that in the last 10 years they have made huge improvements to the smell and noise issues, but the cost of diesel is more that gas now when it used to be cheaper.

[mufflerbearings]

Actually now, the diesel has gotten cheaper than gas again. WHEN WILL IT END?????

I personally use to own the best tow vehicle. I had a black 2000 tahoe with a 4:10 rearend, bad thing was gas mileage sucked (13 on the highway) about 11 around town.

Sold it to a guy who hauled his boat, and said it hauled better than his diesel. All depends on what you want to use....