99 Suburban LT K1500 - Slow build

[PolarBear]

Alright guys - new 350, or go with a built 383? I'm thinking about having a local company provide a new engine. I'm wondering if its worth upgrading to a 383 - they advertise 365 hp, 440 ft. lbs of torque with a vortec intake/cpfi. Cost difference is about $1500. I'd go with a 5.3 swap, but I am for utilizing the money already spent on the truck. I'm leaning towards just a good built 350.

The dealio is; I'm either going to get this thing running good, or I'm gonna sell it. So I'm either getting both a tranny and an engine, or it's gone. Tried to start it today, and it cranks, but won't start. Checked fuel pressure, oil pressure, voltage, starter... Not throwing any codes. I know its old, and I love the damn thing... but I need a damn running vehicle. Selling it just sounds horrible, I've got nearly 6 grand into it, and it's MINE. Trying to get into another vehicle with what I want already done just doesn't seem feasible, as I don't think I'll get out of my vehicle what I've put into it.

I've got window motors/actuators that need to be replaced, the blower motor is leaking water into the cab like a sieve, the blower motor doesn't turn on except for high, I need to get A/C reinstalled, the electric locks aren't working, the exterior door handles are falling apart... the list is long.

Help me out here brothers - what should I do? New/payments aren't an option (never again).

I'd replace the original 5.7 with a nice GM 383 (General motors 383, NOT an aftermarket builder.) That way you'll have a nice coast to coast warranty. A vehicle as heavy as yours is will really suffer from the higher peak torque of the LS.

 

[99'Subourbon]

I'd replace the original 5.7 with a nice GM 383 (General motors 383, NOT an aftermarket builder.) That way you'll have a nice coast to coast warranty. A vehicle as heavy as yours is will really suffer from the higher peak torque of the LS.

Sounds nice in theory, but I can't afford $6500+ just for the motor. $5300 and change for a GM 383, plus it has to be installed by a certified shop, or the dealership, for the warranty to apply. At that cost, I WOULD go with a different vehicle. I need to be under $5000 for both motor and tranny, installed by me.

And yeah, LS is nearly a non-existent option.

 

[SwampHound]

I would build a mild 350. Cam, ported and polished heads, headers, appropriate exhaust and a dyno tune. If you build a 383 you may as well get 90s Honda 4 banger because it's gonna get 6-7 mpg pushing those 35s. It could also roast those 35s like they were pizza cutters, but you said you need something to DRIVE not shred expensive tires.

 

[SwampHound]

Actually, you already have headers don't you? So that takes care of that. Bigger head pipes would help though.

 

[TrailBlazerZ71]

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...tId=3488219&storeId=10001&sType=&pgGrp=search this an option?

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[99'Subourbon]

Actually, you already have headers don't you? So that takes care of that. Bigger head pipes would help though.

I got all the breathing components in place: Headers w/ 3" collector into 2.5" headpipes (y pipe), to 3" SI/SO exhaust, with an S&B Intake. Fortunately, this is not a daily driver - Its the weekend "I want to drive my truck" today, and the off-roading/camping rig, so MPG isn't to much of a concern (I think I'll get 10~ if I went 383). I just want to enjoy, and be able, to drive it.

If I go with the 350, I'll have them work the heads to allow for more lift, and 1.6 rockers - and an aggressive cam...

We'll see - gotta price everything out, etc. Not sure at this point what my course of action will be.

 

[99'Subourbon]

My wife is on board spending $6500 on the truck for motor/tranny and other fixes OR allowing me to find a diesel truck instead. She's okay with either option... She said if I do sell my truck, it HAS to be a diesel, because I've always wanted one.

Argh. Love my wife, but damn that makes the decision harder.

 

[98sierra4x4]

Easy decision. Just do a cummins swap! Same price I bet


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[Pampo'sTruck]

Easy decision. Just do a cummins swap! Same price I bet


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I like the way you think!!

 

[99'Subourbon]

Easy decision. Just do a cummins swap! Same price I bet


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I have an old 12v mechanical Cummins, but it would take to much effort to get working in my vehicle, gauges etc. And would cost the lot for a proper rebuild. And then a tranny to support the power.... Yeah, dont have that kind of money.