Caterpillar Engine

[Allmostsmart]

I know this sounds kinda weird, but I want to put a Cat engine in my Suburban. I was looking at some of their specs and they are pretty darn Heavy. I plan on doing a SAS in my 1997 Suburban 4X4 in about a year and kinda want to do the engine swap too. Do you think that frame would support the weight of a small Cat.

[2COR517]

There's a guy running a 3208 in his 80s 1/2 ton 4x4 around here. I have no idea what mods were done to the frame. I think he just has a 10 bolt/D44 up front. What type of SAS? Leaf or coils? If coils, than the spring perch would be very close to the engine mount.

Not to be a downer, but why on earth would you give up that beautiful Vortec for a smelly ole Cat?

[tbplus10]

The real determining factor will be your intended use of the Suburban. If your planning on using it off road alot (unimproved trails, trail breaking, or romping in the snow) then the frame will need to be strengthened, for light fire road use and and snowy roads it should be plenty strong.

The front frame section of your Suburban is already boxed so strengthening it would have to be done by plating over the existing rails, either way a little plating around the eng, trans, and t-case and some gussets on the cross braces and mounts wont hurt.

Cat engines are a great choice for a swap. Keep in mind tho the part of the country you live in Diesels have issues with gelled fuel, and cold soak at start up. Some of your mods should probably include insulating fuel lines and tanks, an engine block warmer, and a method to block incoming cold air to the cooling system.

Probably the biggest issue you'll face will be engine to trans adaptors and turning off any dash lights. Dont know your smog laws in AK but Im sure youve got some kind of check to pass for vehicle registration.

Cat engines are some of the most fuel efficient diesels out, at idle they have an extremely low fuel flow rate and make great sense for a vehicle used in the wilds where there isnt a fuel station behind every tree. At idle with the right gearing they can actually crawl along real good over most obstacles.

[Allmostsmart]

Wow, a little better response than I thought. Thanks for the help. I am in the military so my Suburban is always towing a trailer or a boat or driving across country. Right now I am in Alaska so a little more strength for Alaskan Terrain wouldn't be a bad idea. I plan on doing Leafs for the suspension. I was thinking maybe a Chevy 14 bolt in the rear and for the front something like a Dana 60 or something. Not sure about the transmission. I would like to put an allison in there but not sure if they make the adapter for it. What is that guy you know using?

[Allmostsmart]

oh and for the why question......I don't know. I want to do something different. No really good answer for ya cause my engine is running great. I like diesels and I love my truck so there we go.

[vncj96]

With that added weight you are also gonna want upgraded brakes too. Chevys were never known for great breaks anyway. I would think a Duramax might be easier, at least then you dont have to worry about finding or having a tranny adapter made, and a special build for the tranny

[Allmostsmart]

I thought about the duramax but How many Chevy's do you see rolling around with a Cat in it? I think it would be pretty cool. It will definitely take some work but I think it would be well worth it in the end. Any advice, info, or critics would be greatly appreciated.

[Allmostsmart]

Been doing some research today. Possibly looking at a Caterpillar C7 as well.

[vncj96]

I thought about the duramax but How many Chevy's do you see rolling around with a Cat in it? I think it would be pretty cool. It will definitely take some work but I think it would be well worth it in the end. Any advice, info, or critics would be greatly appreciated.

That is true but i doubt there are many Suburbans with a Duramax in it especially from the 90's. I am sure a cat diesel is capable of big numbers but I know a Duramax can put out 1000hp+ and you can still use the allison tranny for it too

[Allmostsmart]

Very True. I guess I could do either. What do you think the cost difference would be?

[Allmostsmart]

I think it would be better to just do the Duramax and Allison combo. I am currently looking for a wrecked truck for a donor.

[JCMINIS]

I think it would be better to just do the Duramax and Allison combo. I am currently looking for a wrecked truck for a donor.

I saw on tv awhile back of a small company who does those swaps,I believe it was located in colorado.That is all the did was make burbs into diesels...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/featuredvehicles/129_0407_chevrolet_duramax_suburban/index.html

^^^^I believe this was it.

[2COR517]

This 3208 might wake up the old burb. Probably the neighbors too.......

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