Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Cort, I'm convinced the fuel injection kits are worth it on these old trucks if you're going to still use them like they were meant to be.

Is that the same canned ham trailer you hauled with the diesel truck?

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Hey John, good eye! Yep, that's the same canned ham I've towed behind almost every truck I've owned. At this point, I think it has become a family heirloom. Haha.

Tell me about the fuel injection kit! Are you using a sniper or? I'm interested to know their reliability and if it is worth it to switch over. I just rebuilt the quadrajet a few months ago and it starts and runs perfectly with no hassles, even in 30 degree weather. No stumbles or sticking choke issues. So I figure I'll keep running the carb until it either can't be rebuilt or I do an LS swap or something years down the road.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I don't have experience with any of the aftermarket fuel injection kits yet. I like the LS motors, nothing to dislike really. But the older the squares get the more preservation appeals to me. FI kits are a compromise, that's all. You can hide one under a stock air cleaner and most people won't notice. If you've got the carb dialed in and like it, I wouldn't change a thing.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Hi everyone! No real updates as of now. Work is very busy and I bought a 4x4 Burb that has my attention right now.

We are also in the middle of buying a new house so I won't have much to update until after we move in and get settled. I want to try and pull the front clip off this winter and then pull the engine out. The front crossmember is the only rusty part on this rig and I think I need to address it before it gets to late. I also want to re-seal the engine, swap the cam out, and put new valve seals in.

I'm trying not to take too much apart on this original burb, but I think preservation trumps originality in this case.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Cool! It sounds like a good plan and I look forward to updates when you're back on it.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Not much lately to update, but I did get a nice shine on her for the upcoming C10 Nationals! I also replaced the carrier bearing last week but forgot to get pics. She’s been running like a top.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

A little late posting, but I had a great trip down to Nashville for the C10 nationals! Well the first day wasn’t all that great, had fuel problems all day. Couldn’t do more than 60 without the engine wanting to cut out. Found out late in the day that I had a bad fuel cap and the tank wouldn’t vent properly. At least that’s my theory. Removed the cap and she ran fine the rest of that day.

I forgot to get pics of the burn at the show! Haha. But I did get some pics on the way home and as she rolled over to 60k miles for the first time.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Man that is one beautiful, clean Suburban.

Regarding the fuel injection, there are three ways you can go.
1. PFI has a shop in Michigan, and they sell a similar-to-stock TBI setup that is simple to install and operate. You'll have to put an in-line electric fuel pump to get up to 13 PSI, and the kit comes with one. Last I checked it was in the $700 range.

2. Holly Sniper EFI - easy and self tuning kit. Around $1200.

3. Build your own system from a junkyard. This is what I did for my square. It's actually very easy (minus a few small details) - just get a 88+ fuel sending unit, pump, TBI, ECM, and wiring harness. It is pretty much plug and play. The issue is finding all the compatible parts - I put mine together from ebay + junkyard trips + rock auto and have probably $600 all-in.

Any of these three options will be better than the quadrajet on it's best day. I'd expect +10% fuel economy and power.

I wanted my truck to be period correct so option 1 & 3 would be best for that.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I bet you get offers and comments every time you drive it.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Hey thanks for the advice! I’m not sure if I’ll do the fuel injection this winter or not. The quadrajet really does run well for me. I’ve had so many over the years I’ve Learned their little tricks for the most part and have this one dialed in pretty good. Once it really starts to give me a hard time, its gone.

But for now, I started tearing into the entire fuel system. Got the tank out and ohmed out the sender. It’s bad. So a new sending unit and all new fuel hoses are in order. The tank looked immaculate on the inside. But the outside where the little tar paper pieces that guarded the edges was glued looks a little iffy. I’m going to brush off all the loose rust and see if the tank is still safe to use.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

These trucks look much better with the running boards removed. mine are gone too and love it.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

What is the story with these Chevrolet key fobs? I've seen another one with a 1985. Does GM match the original owner to the number on the key fob? Was this a dealer option? Is there any way to update GM records?

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I’m not sure. My guess is this was the later version of the protect-o-plate cards.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I was scrubbing the tank, prepping it for POR15 and found another build number. 83. It’s written everywhere: under dash, on firewall, on rad support, on frame. Pretty sweet that it is all still legible.

Got the new sender installed, going to paint the top of the tank with POR 15 and repair the few surfaces on the frame where the anti-squeak padding was holding moisture and causing rust. The rest of the frame in that area is still factory black and shiny which is awesome.

Next will be all new fuel hoses, gluing on the new anti-squeak pads and then getting the tank back in.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Well I got the fuel tank and all new hoses installed. Hooked up the new sender and…nothing. It still doesn’t work. Kinda made me mad a little bit. But, oh well we’ll continue troubleshooting. I thought maybe the gauge went south on me so I figured I’d get a new one. But then while I was looking up a new gauge, I started eyeballing the aftermarket tach kits and thought, yep, I’ll add that since I’m in the dash anyways.

So I got that installed tonight and works wonderful. I’m very impressed with the quality of the LMC tach kit. It’s probably the best aftermarket/reproduction part I’ve ever seen. It’s nice to see some high quality parts coming back on the market.

Now I have to focus again and solve this dang fuel gauge problem. I’m almost certain I have a break in the wire somewhere….

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Nice. I've been looking at that tach conversion kit but they don't have the style to match my speedo in stock. I'll keep an eye out for it though. That looks great.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Thanks!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

So here's what it was like to install the aftermarket tach kit; again, really impressed with it:

I took out the original cluster and swapped the original gauges, bulbs, and little indicator light covers to the new cluster.

The first pic the gauges are still in the original cluster. I took some photos of the stickers that were on the original cluster. I also took a photo to show the black finish on the aftermarket fuel gauge is just slightly more flat than the originals. But when it's all installed, you can't tell.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

After the new cluster assembly was together, then I had to run the tach wire to the distributor. This required drilling a hole in the fire wall (cringe), but the grommet they supplied and the location I chose, I think it looks pretty factory.

I realized when I went to hook up to the tach signal, that the spot was already occupied? Turns out, my dealer installed Chapman security system not only locks the hood from being opened, but used the tach signal port on the distributor to kill the ignition. So, even if you pry'd the hood open, you wouldn't be able to tell why the truck wouldn't start because it all looks factory and everything is hooked up. Pretty cool system. I took some pics of what it looks like.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

But in the end, the install was very easy and straightforward, the parts are quality, and the kit has everything you need. Even the power supply to the tach has the factory style plug.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Now that the tach distraction is over, I got back to troubleshooting the fuel tank problem. I've verified every wire, connection, and gauge function. Therefore, I think I bought a bum sender. I know the sender itself works electrically, because I tested it before installing it. So the float must've had a leak and filled with fuel. Can't be anything else. But I've already put a half tank of fuel in it and I'm just not in the mood to drain it and drop the tank again. So this is getting put on the back burner.

Honestly, I'm really considering fuel injection and putting in a TBI fuel sender/pump assembly in the tank when I drop it next time. We'll see!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

That tach conversion is really clean. I'd like to do it, but I think I'm just going to go with the aftermarket column mounted / fold away tachometer option.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Finally we have a nice day in western Michigan!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

This week I replaced the rusty original 2 1/4” tailpipe with a new 3” factory style like my ‘88 has.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Hey there sir I was wondering what type of remote lock unit you are using?

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I bought a FicBox unit from Amazon. It’s like $15 or so. Been very reliable and the range is decent.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I've had one those kits in a box for about two years but still haven't installed it yet in my 87....:-(. Yours looks great and is kinda motivating me to get it done! Any lessons learned or suggestions to make the install go better? Thanks!


Rob

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Hi Rob,

It was pretty straight forward. I didn’t connect horn, so that makes it easier. I do remember having to remove the lower drivers kick panel, but I don’t remember to much other fuss.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Well I have some updates!

I’ve decided to install a modest drop, like 2/4 or so, and I’ve got new wheels!

These are 275/55R17 tires and Vision 17” wheels. I was going for a modern twist on a retro style and I’m pretty happy with it.

I had custom stickers made to add to the center caps. Lowering kit will be here next month and I’ll post more when I start that process!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

The wheel and tire combo looks good. Glad you kept some sidewalls on the tires. Looks so much better than the rubber band look.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Thanks Bill! Yes, having sidewalls was important to me. My goal was to recreate the classic 275/60/15 look on a 17” wheel. I really wish they made a white letter 17” tire.

I went with this size also because it is almost the exact same height as the 255/70/15 so I don’t need to change speedo gears or anything.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

When I had my 65 Suburban, I would say it's like waxing a barn, lol

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I'm putting boards on my 84 Sierra long bed. I like the look, but most importantly for my wife to get in and out easier, especially after her knee revision in the next few weeks.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Yep, sometimes function wins over form!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

I got the black/gold center cap stickers today. I think this is a much better combo.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

That looks very good. Love your Suburban!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Thanks Doug!

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

That’s more like it.

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

:agree:

Re: 86 Suburban w/ 56k miles
 

Thanks Bill!

I think it looks even better outside!