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jblaven · 07-16-2011, 08:28 PM

Hey guys,

Got an 88 Suburban that was given to us by family back about 7 years ago. We pulled it out of the pasture and did a little work on it back then.

Well, the engine is now up to 283,000. The old 350 is getting tired.

We've decided to revive it and make it live even longer

Starting with ripping out the carpet... Went back with MIP flooring (from LMC) The carpet just doesn't stand a chance against our kids.

Also the metal pan under the bench seat was totally rusted inside along the grooves.

I decided to paint them black to match the new floor.

The blue carpet on the side panels were dyed black to match the floor. The upper part of the side panel was hit with the blue vinyl dye. The fiberglass panels around the windows were also repainted with the dye.

Here is the "Dark Blue Met" we would like to paint the Suburban. This pic shows the different "depths" or how dark the blue gets based on the lighting...

Here are shots of the old dash...

And the new one :-)

Repainted the Rear AC housing and vents... I won't tell you how long it took me to tape up the center vents for the chrome paint!

Here is a shot under the hood...

and it's replacement...

...I should say replacement before upgrades

Pop's C-10 · 07-16-2011, 10:03 PM

welcome & nice rig

jblaven · 07-16-2011, 10:37 PM

Here is the GM Crate Engine that is the drop in and bolt up replacement for the TBI 350 currently in the '88 Suburban.

Here is the stock cylinder gasket after the cylinder head removal.

Prep for new Vortec cylinder heads :-)

Summit Racing Vortec Heads

jblaven · 07-17-2011, 08:56 AM

These roller rockers are self-aligning and prevent the need for guide plates or machining down the difference of the thickness of said guide plates. They sure are pretty

Much more so than the stamped ones.

Giving the hydraulic lifters an oil bath to lift the internal plungers. Otherwise getting a decent initial adjustment on the rocker arms would be tough.

jblaven · 07-17-2011, 09:02 AM

GM Performance Vortec Intake Manifold

thirdstreettito · 07-17-2011, 10:19 AM

Those rocker arms look great! Too bad they will be covered up.

Keep up the good work! Did you use 1.5 or 1.6 rockers?

jblaven · 07-17-2011, 10:52 AM

They are 1.5

I still have the stock cam. I am hoping to pick up a little more torque on the low end of the rpm range with this setup (over the stock cylinder heads and arms).
Posted via Mobile Device

thirdstreettito · 07-17-2011, 01:06 PM

Where did you get those plug wire thingys?

Pop's C-10 · 07-17-2011, 02:10 PM

Nice motor, did swap cams or jus lube up tha lifters..

68Timber · 07-17-2011, 02:18 PM

Looking good...

**Boog** · 07-17-2011, 02:55 PM

J that's just too purdy to use. Leave it on the engine stand in a corner of the living room and build something else for the burb.

jblaven · 07-17-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

Nice motor, did swap cams or jus lube up tha lifters..

Swapped out the push rods and lifters. Rods are the same length, just a little better than stock.

jblaven · 07-17-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

J that's just too purdy to use. Leave it on the engine stand in a corner of the living room and build something else for the burb.

I know, it makes you pull other things off to paint or replace!

jblaven · 07-17-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

Where did you get those plug wire thingys?

The wire looms were found at Summit Racing. I believe LMC has them in their catalog too.

thirdstreettito · 07-17-2011, 03:37 PM

No not the looms, the things that look attached to the valve covers.

jblaven · 07-18-2011, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

No not the looms, the things that look attached to the valve covers.

The rubber grommet thing? It came with the valve covers... It looks like Summit has just the grommet for sale too: Part #SUM-G3410

If you are talking about the chrome valve cover bolts... Trans-Dapt Part #9812

jblaven · 07-18-2011, 01:07 AM

I picked up these today, thinking that they might look better than the Trans-Dapt, but they didn't improve the look. ARP makes the better bolt; but for the valve covers, I'll stick with TD.

BLOWN73 · 07-18-2011, 01:08 AM

Very cool job
Posted via Mobile Device

jblaven · 07-18-2011, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

J that's just too purdy to use. Leave it on the engine stand in a corner of the living room and build something else for the burb.

I could drop it in the Jag... I just don't have the heart to displace a perfectly good V12.

thirdstreettito · 07-18-2011, 11:25 AM

Lol, no I mean these. The billet type things the wire go through. In these pics-

jblaven · 07-18-2011, 12:05 PM

Part # SUM-440320

...but if you have center bolt valve covers, you need the adapter kit:
Part # 69600

thirdstreettito · 07-18-2011, 02:25 PM

Thanks!

jblaven · 07-27-2011, 06:24 PM

Getting ready to install the new engine... Man was the garage a mess. I made some panels for my utility trailer... A huge help loading up the wife's school boxes (in one load)

I stirred up so much dust I think I made myself sick... about to have a temperature of 100. Yeah, yeah, I know...

Anyway, I think I am about ready to dive into the swap within the next day or two.

jblaven · 07-28-2011, 11:25 PM

SBTork · 07-28-2011, 11:34 PM

cool. It looks to be lined up and ready for a motor swap.

07-16-2011, 08:28 PM	#1
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	New Guy here... Hey guys, Got an 88 Suburban that was given to us by family back about 7 years ago. We pulled it out of the pasture and did a little work on it back then. Well, the engine is now up to 283,000. The old 350 is getting tired. We've decided to revive it and make it live even longer Starting with ripping out the carpet... Went back with MIP flooring (from LMC) The carpet just doesn't stand a chance against our kids. Also the metal pan under the bench seat was totally rusted inside along the grooves. I decided to paint them black to match the new floor. The blue carpet on the side panels were dyed black to match the floor. The upper part of the side panel was hit with the blue vinyl dye. The fiberglass panels around the windows were also repainted with the dye. Here is the "Dark Blue Met" we would like to paint the Suburban. This pic shows the different "depths" or how dark the blue gets based on the lighting... Here are shots of the old dash... And the new one :-) Repainted the Rear AC housing and vents... I won't tell you how long it took me to tape up the center vents for the chrome paint! Here is a shot under the hood... and it's replacement... ...I should say replacement before upgrades

07-16-2011, 10:03 PM	#2
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: New Guy here... welcome & nice rig __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

07-16-2011, 10:37 PM	#3
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	A Little More Horsepower Please Here is the GM Crate Engine that is the drop in and bolt up replacement for the TBI 350 currently in the '88 Suburban. Here is the stock cylinder gasket after the cylinder head removal. Prep for new Vortec cylinder heads :-) Summit Racing Vortec Heads

07-17-2011, 08:56 AM	#4
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	Engine Fun These roller rockers are self-aligning and prevent the need for guide plates or machining down the difference of the thickness of said guide plates. They sure are pretty Much more so than the stamped ones. Giving the hydraulic lifters an oil bath to lift the internal plungers. Otherwise getting a decent initial adjustment on the rocker arms would be tough.

07-17-2011, 09:02 AM	#5
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	Engine Dress Up GM Performance Vortec Intake Manifold

07-17-2011, 10:19 AM	#6
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: New Guy here... Those rocker arms look great! Too bad they will be covered up. Keep up the good work! Did you use 1.5 or 1.6 rockers? __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

07-17-2011, 10:52 AM	#7
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	Rocker Arms They are 1.5 I still have the stock cam. I am hoping to pick up a little more torque on the low end of the rpm range with this setup (over the stock cylinder heads and arms). Posted via Mobile Device

07-17-2011, 01:06 PM	#8
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: New Guy here... Where did you get those plug wire thingys? __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

07-17-2011, 02:10 PM	#9
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: New Guy here... Nice motor, did swap cams or jus lube up tha lifters.. __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

07-17-2011, 02:18 PM	#10
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: New Guy here... Looking good... __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

07-17-2011, 02:55 PM	#11
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,957	Re: New Guy here... J that's just too purdy to use. Leave it on the engine stand in a corner of the living room and build something else for the burb. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-17-2011, 03:37 PM	#15
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: New Guy here... No not the looms, the things that look attached to the valve covers. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

07-18-2011, 01:07 AM	#17
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	ARP Valve Cover Bolts... I picked up these today, thinking that they might look better than the Trans-Dapt, but they didn't improve the look. ARP makes the better bolt; but for the valve covers, I'll stick with TD.

07-18-2011, 01:08 AM	#18
BLOWN73 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: visalia, ca Posts: 110	Re: New Guy here... Very cool job Posted via Mobile Device

07-18-2011, 11:25 AM	#20
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: New Guy here... Lol, no I mean these. The billet type things the wire go through. In these pics- __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck



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07-18-2011, 12:05 PM	#21
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	Summit calls them Billet Wire Looms... Part # SUM-440320 ...but if you have center bolt valve covers, you need the adapter kit: Part # 69600

07-18-2011, 02:25 PM	#22
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: New Guy here... Thanks! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

07-27-2011, 06:24 PM	#23
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	Almost ready to install new 350... Getting ready to install the new engine... Man was the garage a mess. I made some panels for my utility trailer... A huge help loading up the wife's school boxes (in one load) I stirred up so much dust I think I made myself sick... about to have a temperature of 100. Yeah, yeah, I know... Anyway, I think I am about ready to dive into the swap within the next day or two.

07-28-2011, 11:25 PM	#24
jblaven Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	Re: New Guy here...

07-28-2011, 11:34 PM	#25
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,856	Re: New Guy here... cool. It looks to be lined up and ready for a motor swap. __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

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