New engine suggestions

[Motorgod0]

Hello All. My 90 4x4 suburban is on its way out. It has the 350TBI original engine with close to 300K on it. Rebuilt transmission about 10k on it. It’s pushing 33” tires which aren’t that big but I can tell shes getting tired. I’m researching engine options to get more power. Would like to have power when I need it on and off the road as well as a good Daily driver. Fuel economy is not a factor and I rarely tow. I was thinking LS swap or 454. I’m open to suggestions. Or if anyone has done this and recommends against it I’d like to hear that as well. Thanks in advance

 

[Motorgod0]

Hello All. My 90 4x4 suburban is on its way out. It has the 350TBI original engine with close to 300K on it. Rebuilt transmission about 10k on it. It’s pushing 33” tires which aren’t that big but I can tell shes getting tired. I’m researching engine options to get more power. Would like to have power when I need it on and off the road as well as a good Daily driver. Fuel economy is not a factor and I rarely tow. I was thinking LS swap or 454. I’m open to suggestions. Or if anyone has done this and recommends against it I’d like to hear that as well. Thanks in advance

Also if there are threads on this posted already please send me in that direction

 

[OK93K1500]

Either build a proper carbureted 350 or do an LS swap. That’s pretty much the two paths you’re going to see recommended. A TBI 454 isn’t worth the work. If you’re going to do that much work already you’re going to see more gains from a purpose built 350 with a carb or an LS.


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1993 Chevrolet K1500 5.7/4L60E
1994 Chevrolet K1500 Heavy Half 5.7/NV4500

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Either build a proper carbureted 350 or do an LS swap. That’s pretty much the two paths you’re going to see recommended. A TBI 454 isn’t worth the work. If you’re going to do that much work already you’re going to see more gains from a purpose built 350 with a carb or an LS.


_________________________________________________
1993 Chevrolet K1500 5.7/4L60E
1994 Chevrolet K1500 Heavy Half 5.7/NV4500

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Care to explain why you think a 454 is not worth the work but an LS swap or carbureted 350 is ?

 

[OK93K1500]

Care to explain why you think a 454 is not worth the work but an LS swap or carbureted 350 is ?

Because building a carbureted 350 or an LS swap offer more power for the labor than a TBI 454. A TBI 454 is going to require just as much, changing the computer, altering the harnesses, so on and so forth. Although granted if we’re talking about building a carbureted 454, sure that’s different. But for a TBI, I mean if one wants to do the work for less of a result by all means go for it. I’m just saying that’s what he’s going to hear most folks say going off the countless threads on the matter. And it’s understandable. An LS swap isn’t particularly difficult, it’s more efficient and a better platform to build from.


_________________________________________________
1993 Chevrolet K1500 5.7/4L60E
1994 Chevrolet K1500 Heavy Half 5.7/NV4500

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[evilunclegrimace]

A 454 is a bolt in, the computer is an easy change and the harness mods are minimal. You get 255 HP at 4000 RPM and 405 Lb. Ft. of torque at 2400 RPM for a STOCK 7.4.

The 6.0 is a major undertaking comparatively requiring extensive harness modifications including a computer change with mods that cost significantly more and all that you get is 300 HP at 4400 RPM and 360 Lb. Ft. of torque at 4000 RPM.

As far as a carbed 5.7 you will spend a great deal more cash to get the same torque as a 7.4 and it still will not have the grunt to out pull the Big Block at the lower RPM.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Yeah, I think we ought to go back to the 70s and get a point distributor to go with the antiquated carburetor too.

 

[Motorgod0]

A 454 is a bolt in, the computer is an easy change and the harness mods are minimal. You get 255 HP at 4000 RPM and 405 Lb. Ft. of torque at 2400 RPM for a STOCK 7.4.

The 6.0 is a major undertaking comparatively requiring extensive harness modifications including a computer change with mods that cost significantly more and all that you get is 300 HP at 4400 RPM and 360 Lb. Ft. of torque at 4000 RPM.

As far as a carbed 5.7 you will spend a great deal more cash to get the same torque as a 7.4 and it still will not have the grunt to out pull the Big Block at the lower RPM.

Thank you all for your responses. This will be my first ever engine replacement project. When you say bolt in, do you mean it will bolt right up to the transmission? And the transmission will handle the power and torque? If there is no need to replace my current transmission the 454 seems the way to go cost wise. Unless a 383 stroker will bolt in just the same and is better than a 454. I don’t know. I’ve recently started researching a 383 but that is new territory to me just like this swap. Thank you all

 

[Motorgod0]

Yeah, I think we ought to go back to the 70s and get a point distributor to go with the antiquated carburetor too.

I’m open to suggestions. Do you have a new fuel injected engine in mind? Thanks

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I'm just doing fine with my TBI. Granted the TBI speed density system is somewhat limited but it's still better than a carb. My 46mm Throttle body flows 650CFM which will support a 5.7L up to 6000 RPM.

Fitech Go series, Holley Sniper, Edelbrock E-street or Pro-Flo, MPFI, TPI are all better options to a (as I like to say) toilet bowl carb. The issue with a carb is it doesn't know altitude, air density/temperature, etc so, it can't adjust itself for maximum performance.